Sanger High School’s new cell phone policy has sparked controversy all around campus. Sanger High has been lenient on cell phones until they became an issue for some. Three months into the 2024-25 school year some say that the new cell phone policy has improved student participation and concentration drastically.
“I have noticed more engagement in classrooms, with their teachers, and also with each other,” says Kirstin Coronado, Principal at Sanger High.
“I have noticed a lot more participation in class. In the past, students would check out and just ‘doom scroll’ on their phones instead of working on assignments, “ says Krystle Durrenberger, 9th grade teacher at Sanger High.
“I feel like I am able to focus more on teaching rather than constantly reminding students to get back to work, which in turn benefits students,” says Elizabeth Alfving, 10th grade teacher at Sanger High. Studies (https://www.edweek.org/leadership/digital-distractions-in-class-linked-to-lower-academic-performance/2023/12) show that about ‘two thirds of the students in the US get distracted when using their digital devices during school which can affect their learning.”
“Allowing students to use their phones to at least listen to music can significantly enhance their focus, reduce stress, and overall improve their mental health,” says 10th grader Solean Hernandez. According to the American Psychologist Association (APA), Students who listen to music score better than non musical peers. “I prefer to have my phone to listen to music because I feel that music really helps me focus when doing work,” says 10th grader Dakota Wolf.
“I’ve always had trouble focusing while doing my work during class and music just helps me concentrate and get my work done so this new policy hasn’t had the best effect on me,” says 10th grader Brandon Contreras.
“I believe that in order for this policy to work we need to change it so that it is more lenient. Having your phone should be a reward rather than a punishment,” says 10th grader Solean Hernanez.
“Phone breaks would help strengthen this policy, so that if someone really needs to check their phone during class they can. However, if they have it out during non-phone breaks they should be held accountable or given a warning,” says 10th grader Arlene Silva.
Although most students have voiced that they want more leniency towards this policy due to the benefits it would provide, Principal Coronado says otherwise about modifying it.
When asked, “Would you ever take away this rule or make it more lenient?” Coronado says,“No, because I still allow students at Sanger High to have their phones out during break and during lunch,”.
Although this new phone policy is new both students and teachers have their views on the way this new policy has affected the school.
“Students in the long run will see that this is a huge benefit for them,” says Coronado.
