According to the student handbook, cell phones (and other personal electronic devices) are not allowed to be used during the school day, in detention or during an in school suspension (ISS). The only exception is during the five-minute passing period between classes. However, this does not include during lunch period or passing to and from lunch.

USA Today participated in a study in Chicago that found 73 percent of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers said their students use phones in the classroom to complete assignments.

Senior Rachel Nansel said she believes the school should become more lax on their phone policy.

“I check my phone and text whenever the teacher is out of the room,” Nansel said. “I think phones should be allowed in classrooms within reason, just as long as the phone doesn’t interfere with the learning atmosphere.”

Junior Ethan Jensen said he doesn’t mind seeing people using their phones in class.

“I don’t usually use my phone in class,” Jensen said. “I guess there are a few situations where a student should be allowed to use their phone. For instance, if a student needs to call their parents to prove their innocence if they didn’t turn in homework, I think that should be allowed.”

Senior Taylor Deboer said she believes phones should be allowed in class if the teacher is okay with it.

“I think our current policy is fine for now,” Deboer said. “Maybe it would be better if they changed it to be more like the snack policy. If the teacher is fine with it in their classroom, it should be allowed.”

Deboer and Nansel agree that there are some circumstances where phones should definitely be allowed in class.

“If you aren’t doing anything in that class or you need your parent to bring you something then it shouldn’t be a problem to send a few texts,” Deboer said.

Nansel said she believes teachers should allow cellphones for students to listen to music.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous that we aren’t allowed to listen to music on our phones,” Nansel said. “I’m not going to download a ton of music on my tablet just to turn it in at the end of the year.”

Nansel added that she doesn’t necessarily believe the current policy should be totally changed, but the repercussions should be lessened.

“I see people texting in class all the time,” Nansel said. “I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

Deboer said she has received multiple texts during class time.

“I don’t think students with good grades should get rewarded with being allowed to use their phones,” Deboer said. “There are other ways to reward the students, like giving them more freedoms in guided personal studies.”

17aweber@usd489.com