At the start of this year, Nazareth adopted a new policy regarding student phone usage. In the student handbook it is stated, “Upon arrival to class, students must place their cell phone in their assigned pocket. The cell phone must remain there until the conclusion of class.” This a change in policies from previous years when phones could remain in students’ possession, but were not officially allowed to be used in class.

69% of 71 Nazareth students surveyed said that they do not support this new policy. When asked to explain their thoughts, 31% said that they do not like the rule because they believe that they are being unfairly controlled.

Other reasons for not supporting the new phone policy include not being able to immediately use their phones in case of an emergency, forgetting their phones in phone pockets, and the confusion of having seven different phone pouch numbers to remember for each class.

On the other hand, 30% of students surveyed said that they supported the new phone policy. When they explained why, 14% of students said that surrendering their phones allowed them to focus more on their school work. Another 10% said they like the new rule because of how it allows students to take a break from their phone during the school day.

Some students are more indifferent to the policy and feel it does not negatively affect their school day. Some students said that they do not use their phones in class anyway, so it is no big deal and others said that because of their access to iPads and smart watches, not having their phones does not affect them.

The administration spent a great deal of time reviewing studies and similar policies all across the country before implementing the policy. Principal Therese Hawkins said, “The desired outcome [of the new phone policy] is to increase engagement and attentiveness during class.” Requiring students to put their phones away prompts students to be more engaged in class discussions without being distracted by their cell phone.

Hawkins added, “The other thing that we keep an eye on, constantly, is the effect that screens have on teen mental health.” The well-being and mental health of students is at the forefront of what Nazareth intends to accomplish with the enactment of the new phone policy. When asked if she sees the phone policy remaining in place long term, Hawkins said, “I do, through the near future.”

The future of the new policy will be reliant on its enforcement by the teachers. When asked her opinion on the new policy, Spanish teacher Kelsey Strode said, “I think that it is a great policy. It’s only been positive for students and teachers.” Strode added, “There has been less of a struggle between teachers and students having to tell them to put their phones away.” Strode enjoys the increased attention in her classes and when talking to her students, “They are less distracted and don’t feel the need to be on their phone all the time.”

Social Studies teacher Jon Paul Jurasas said, “Putting up phones at the beginning of class is a good practice and a good habit to get into at the start of class.” Jurasas said, “All electronic devices are a potential distraction, and I don’t think it eliminates all of that potential…but it does reduce a lot of it… it is less to manage from a student and teacher perspective.”

The new rule allows students in Jurasas’s classes to have fewer things to worry about when they are tasked with completing their class work. Jurasas said, “The key to success for the policy is consistency. If teachers are consistent, it’s a lot easier to implement.”

English teacher Erin Raebig said, “Between the [new phone policy and Jamf] I can see that my students are more focused and [in class] they can be in the moment.” Having the phone being out of sight and out of mind is a leading benefit for freshmen under the new policy. Raebig has avoided student resistance to the policy by explaining to her students how it is beneficial to both teachers and students. Raebig said, “Freshmen have been very open to it and according to them this is how it has always been.”

Theology teacher Donny Moore said, “I think it is a fantastic policy… I really laud our administration for adopting this policy, and allowing students to detach themselves from technology.” Moore felt that phones in his classes were causing serious distraction and were inhibiting students from reaching their academic goals. Moore says that he has seen a significant increase in engagement from his junior students now that they do not have access to their phone in class.

Moore said, “With the new policy, from the teacher’s side, I am so grateful. I can really focus on teaching and fostering positive relationships with kids in the classroom.”

Math teacher Patrick Broncato also sees benefits to the new policy including “increased focus and attention, especially on tasks.”