The new phone policy at Page High School has sparked significant debate among students and staff. Stricter policies on phone usage were introduced in Page to increase focus and reduce distractions in the classroom, but students argue that the policy limits their ability to stay connected, especially with safety concerns on the rise.  

Research supports the school’s decision to restrict phone use. A 2018 study showed that increased phone usage was associated with declining academic  performance. Additionally, a study published by Sage Journals found that 90% of students primarily use their phones for leisure rather than  educational purposes. While neither study directly links phone usage to falling GPAs, a 2015 report by Time Magazine concluded that banning phones led to a 6% improvement in test scores, especially among low performing students.  

But, what do people at Page High think about this new policy? Teachers like Mr. Tangredi report noticeable improvements in student focus this year. He notes that many students that he has had before have had increases in academic focus, suggesting that the policy is helping students effectively. The students also acknowledge feeling more focused in class and paying more attention. However, many students feel the new policy limits their  ability to stay connected, and given growing safety concerns surrounding school safety, this disconnect has left some worried.  

The school also claimed that reducing phone use would decrease the number of disorderly conduct, and early signs suggest this is true. Both students and teachers have observed a reduction in fights during the first two weeks of school.  

So overall, according to studies and the students and teachers themselves, a stricter phone policy in the school is an effective way to minimize distraction  and make students focus more on the classroom, as well as reduce student  altercations, but only time will tell if it makes a lasting difference on the  student body.