The implementation of Indiana’s cellphone ban in schools has had a significant impact on student behavior and engagement. The new law, which restricts the use of phones and other devices during instructional time, has been met with mixed reactions from students and educators alike. While some students long for the freedom to use their headphones, many teachers and parents have seen positive changes in student focus and academic performance.
Impact on Student Engagement
Jadon Howard, a sophomore at Beech Grove High School, used to struggle with staying focused in class due to his phone usage. However, since the implementation of the cellphone ban, Jadon has noticed a significant improvement in his ability to pay attention and engage with the material being taught. This sentiment is echoed by his mother, Erin Franklin, who believes that the new law has helped her son prioritize his academic and athletic pursuits over his electronic devices.
The issue of student distraction by cellphones is not unique to Indiana. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 7 in 10 U.S. high school teachers considered students being distracted by their phones a major problem in classrooms. In response to this widespread issue, several states, including Indiana, have enacted laws or policies aimed at limiting cellphone use in schools. While it is still early to determine the overall effectiveness of these measures, initial reports from Indiana suggest a positive impact on student engagement and focus.
Principal Brett Crousore of Lawrence North High School acknowledges that prior to the new law, teachers had varying policies regarding cellphone use in their classrooms. This lack of consistency made it difficult to enforce rules and maintain a productive learning environment. With the implementation of the statewide ban, educators now have clear guidelines to follow, creating a sense of uniformity across classrooms. Students who violate the ban may face consequences such as referrals or having their phones confiscated for the remainder of the class.
The enforcement of the cellphone ban has not been without its challenges. While some students, like Jadon Howard, have embraced the new rules and found them beneficial, others, such as Lawrence North senior Taylor Smith, admit to struggling with the temptation to use their phones during class. Nevertheless, many students and educators believe that the ban has helped create a more focused and peaceful learning environment.
Impact on Interpersonal Conflicts
In addition to improving student engagement, the cellphone ban has also had a positive impact on reducing interpersonal conflicts and drama among students. Educators and counselors have observed a decrease in disruptive incidents stemming from online interactions during class time. Alexa Murray, a counselor at Beech Grove, notes that since the implementation of the ban, confrontations that would typically occur over text messages or social media have been significantly reduced.
Lawrence North junior Amélie Perry highlights the prevalence of online bullying and drama among students, emphasizing the negative impact it can have on mental health and overall well-being. Amélie believes that social media should be limited in school settings to prevent such conflicts from arising. While she acknowledges the importance of regulating cellphone use, she also advocates for more flexibility within the law to accommodate students’ needs for using phones for educational purposes.
Educators like Carolyn Moen, a Spanish immersion teacher at Lawrence North, have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of social media on students’ mental health. Moen describes how a seemingly innocuous social media post can quickly escalate into a negative emotional response, affecting a student’s mood and productivity for the entire day. By limiting phone access during instructional time, schools hope to create a more positive and supportive learning environment for students.
Student Perspectives on the Cellphone Ban
While the cellphone ban has been largely praised for its positive impact on student engagement and reducing interpersonal conflicts, some students have expressed concerns about the limitations it imposes. Beech Grove senior Grace Wingfield laments the inability to listen to music during quiet work time, which she believes helped her stay focused and productive. Many students share Grace’s sentiment, noting that music has been a valuable tool for concentration and stress relief.
Instructional coach Martin Barker acknowledges the benefits of headphones for some students but emphasizes the overall positive impact of the cellphone ban on student focus and classroom dynamics. Barker believes that the law will ultimately benefit more students than it will hinder, as evidenced by the increased focus and participation he has observed in his classes since the ban took effect. English teacher Josie Defreese echoes this sentiment, noting that the ban has encouraged more interaction and collaboration among students during downtime.
Looking Ahead
As schools in Indiana continue to adapt to the new cellphone ban, educators and students alike are hopeful that the positive changes observed thus far will be sustained. While some students may struggle with the restrictions imposed by the law, the overall consensus among teachers and parents is that the ban has had a beneficial impact on student engagement and well-being. By promoting a more focused and interactive learning environment, the cellphone ban in Indiana schools serves as a step towards enhancing academic performance and fostering positive social interactions among students.
