No phones in school is a controversial topic among students and faculty at GHS. Students say that they like having their phones in school for these reasons. Mason Smith ‘26 said, “After all work is done it shouldn’t matter what you, and if it isn’t harmful or distracting to the class.” Most people at the Galena High School agree with what Smith says. With 97% of students who responded to a Publications Class survey voting yes, their reasons mainly contain three things: first, there isn’t really a difference between our phones and laptops; second, phones will give students something to do after work is done; and finally, emergencies.
With these pros there are some cons, “In English, every student has an outside reading book that they could read for a little bit,” Mrs. Bookless said. “Or they can use that time to do work for other classes.” Other teachers agree with Bookless. Mr. Tancrell stated, ”Students will likely do their work with minimal effort just to complete assignments to get to their phone.” With 3% of the respondents voting no, the main reason is the students rushing through their work to get the time to be on their phones. Anonymous states, “If the students rushed through their work why would that be a problem? The student is setting themselves up for issues, not the teachers.
With the pros and cons of having phones in class, Mrs. Hawkins said one reason why students should not have their phones in class is that “Cyberbullying and other negative impacts on phones happen often at GHS.” GHS students agree it is not okay to cyberbully, but if someone will do it on their phone what’s the difference with them doing it on their phone or laptop? GHS sophomore, Sofi Lin said “In homeroom there’s nothing to do,” which yes is correct but would that be a time for you to talk with your friends, play card games, or catch up on your English book?
