Cellphone rules spark debate

By Amir Shaffer-Mahone

Editorial Assistant

At Crete-Monee High School, phones are an issue that staff demand students put away. Smartphones have always been a point of contention, but now they seem to be more than ever before. Students refuse to put away their cellphones. This has led to many disciplinary issues with students at the school.

Student Anthony Flowers goes on his phone in the library. Photo by Bella Velasco.

“If a student refuses to put away the phone, they get a call home and a referral. Usually, with defiance as the main reason for it, because you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing,” broadcast teacher Mr. Mays said.

Mr. Mays also explains that there are a few situations in which students should have their phones out during class, though some lessons may require them. 

“When it comes to exceptions, I don’t think there are many exceptions to the rule. You know, some classes may need to use them for a quick part of the lesson,” Mr. Mays said. 

Some students believe that phones can actually help with schoolwork instead of distracting from it. 

“Keeping your phone can help you calculate an answer, and take pictures and notes,” Justin Swafford said.

At CMHS, teachers have different ways of handling phones during class. Teachers go from reminders to taking them away. While the goal is to help students stay focused, students and teachers sometimes differ on how strict the rules should be. Teachers usually start reminding students to put their phones away. If a student refuses, teachers begin taking their phones. They are taken for the rest of the class period, and in some cases, the entire day.

Confiscating phones is another common practice. Some teachers use Yondr Bags to collect phones during class. These bags help keep the phones organized until they are returned to students later. Student Ayomide Olanrewaju said that some teachers become frustrated when students use phones during class. 

“Usually, some teachers get upset and tell students to put their phones away,” Olanrewaju said.

Students also recognize that continued phone use can lead to further consequences in class. 

“If the problem continues, students might have to put their phones in a bag or could face disciplinary action such as being sent to the office,” Olanrewaju said. 

Olanrewaju also believes phones can sometimes be helpful for schoolwork. She explained that phones can make research easier because some school computers block certain websites, which can make assignments more difficult to complete.

CMHS aims to reduce distractions and help students stay focused on learning. However, teachers use different strategies to enforce the rules, and students have mixed opinions about how strict those rules should be.