This year, a new policy has been brought to Berkeley County Schools regarding cell phones. The new superintendent, Dr. Ryan S. Saxe, has decided that all devices should be off and away during the school day, with the only exceptions being before or after school and lunch. With this new policy, comes many opinions, positive and negative.
At Musselman High School, students and staff have noticed, rather than staring at their phones, a significant increase in student interactions and productivity in class. Students are also turning in assignments on time- leading to better grades which parents have noticed and appreciated.
“I can say that I’ve definitely seen students completing more work and at a better pace. I’ve also had students come up to me and say that knowing the consequences motivates them to stay off of their phones,” stated Mr. Long, a MuHS freshman English teacher.
Mrs. Riggleman, the head principal, has done daily walk-throughs and announcements to make sure students and staff are obeying the new policy. “It is easy to get caught up scrolling and then it’s a couple hours later. I personally have to regulate myself on my own cell phone sometimes, too,” stated Riggleman.
Although the new policy does require them to be off and away during the school day, several do agree that phones can be as useful if not more than a Chromebook.
When asked about if cell phones can have a positive use, Mr. Rizer, the freshmen principal stated, “Cell phones could absolutely be used for educational purposes. They are powerful devices with many tools including the internet. With our new policy though, students must stick to their Chromebooks only.”
Despite the positive uses, students and staff are still required to follow the new policy.
Many have stated that the effects of the new policy have been so positive that it outweighs it even the positive uses of cellphones.
It’s sound to say the policy is here to stay with the improvements everyone has seen.
