NC Introduces School Phone Ban: Will Jordan Follow It?

A new statewide law banning student phone use during instructional time that went into effect January 1st and is already changing the vibe in classrooms at Jordan High School.The law requires students to keep their phones turned off and out of sight during classes. Exceptions include medical purposes or when phones are needed for instructional purposes. Although all public schools are required to abide by the ban, enforcement is left to individual districts and schools.

“We are enforcing the policy schoolwide, and teachers have been very consistent in applying the expectations,” said Ms. Nelson. When a student refuses to follow the policy, the response focuses more on correction rather than punishment. “Our goal is to correct, not punish,” Nelson stated. Highlighting that phone confiscation is used only as a last resort. In an event of an emergency, parents can contact the main office which then passes messages on to students. Nelson also said that some students may misunderstand the purpose of the policy, believing it is meant to be punishing. “The goal is to reduce distractions so they can learn, connect, and graduate on time and with options,” she explained. 

Mrs. Holmes, a Spanish teacher, said that previously phones have been a major distraction in her classroom, making it difficult for students to fully engage in lessons. “It's really hard to learn a language unless you're engaging with the language, meaning listening, reading, writing, and speaking,” she said, adding that the new policy helps her keep students focused. “Phones are a big distraction, and so I appreciate being able to tell them to put it away and keep it away and there be some consequences because, for me, grades directly tie to phone use. If you're on your phone a lot, you will be successful in class most times.” 

Ms. Rubenstein, an English teacher, said that enforcing the policy this year has been much easier because it is supported by both the school and state law. “This year it was extremely easy because the school and state laws backed me up,” she said. 

Mr. O'Keefe, a social studies teacher,said he supports the phone ban “provided that it is consistently enforced across the school and across classrooms,” describing the policy as “imperative.”

“Phones in Box” Maimouna Ouattara

Not all teachers agree with the approach. One teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said that while phones can be distracting, placing enforcement responsibility on teachers can lead to more conflict in the classroom therefore disrupting mood in the classroom and creating tension between students and teachers. “I do not like that it is on the teachers to enforce and take the phones from students,” the teacher stated, describing the policy as “misguided” and a “good idea but bad execution.”

Students have expressed mixed reactions to the new law.“It’s been a little weird without my phone but overall it’s not that much different from before,” sophomore Logan Downeypiper stated. Others noted that the ban has helped them stay more focused.

 “I’d say it’s only helped me, I find myself enjoying class more without my phone,” Freshman Gretchen Johnstone shared. 

However several students voiced concerns about stress and safety. “Without my phone, I have no way to contact my parents If I get sick, forget something at home, or if some emergency occurs,” shared Sophomore Gertie Roper. Others worried about emergencies such as lockdowns or fire drills, saying the policy makes them feel less secure. However the statewide law applies only during instructional time, and teachers are not expected to enforce the policy during emergency situations. 

 “I think the ban will help students in the long run by helping reduce the amount of time spent on the phone and helping people focus more in class without unnecessary distractions,“ said Gretchen Johnstone. When asked to describe the phone ban in one word, student responses ranged from “unfair” and “pointless” to “necessary” and “promising,” reflecting the divergence in opinions within the student body.