Phones are considered a massive issue in a school environment. So much so, that CISD has decided to ban the use of personal communication devices (such as phones and smart watches) entirely during school hours. As a student, I’m not upset because I’m addicted to my phone. I’m upset because the district has placed unnecessarily strict policies on our phones out of concern for our mental health.

While yes, that sounds endearing, it’s quite the opposite. On June 17th, the CISD Board of Trustees unanimously passed the motion of updating the district cell phone policies, which state that telecommunication devices must be turned off and put away at all times during the day. This policy is called “away for the day”. Students will not be allowed to use these devices at any point throughout the day, including lunch and passing periods. 

Board President Misty Odenweller stated, “While it'll be a very difficult adjustment for many, I know it's going to make an impact on mental health in our district for our students and educational outcomes as well, so I'm thankful for that,”

I disagree with this statement in numerous ways. She states that this ban will affect our educational outcomes. Banning phones from our lunch and passing periods will have no such effect because during those times, we do not learn any academic material. There is no concrete evidence that suggests if we remove phones while we eat our food, then we will become smarter.

She also states that this will have an effect on our mental health. And I agree— but it will have a negative effect. The CISD Board of Trustees think that social media is the reason we are depressed, and by removing our phones, we’re suddenly going to be happier as if we don’t have social media at home. The negative effect that I anticipate, is a much worse slippery slope than social media. If we can’t have our phones, we can’t call for help during a time of need— like a crisis hotline. I understand that the new policy outlines we can have our phones during a dangerous situation, but that crisis hotline is there so kids can get help without making a scene. Without having to explain to an adult why they have their phone out. If we can’t have our phones at any point during the day, schools are depriving kids of the opportunity for help.

This new cell phone policy is dangerous and needs to be stopped immediately.