Schools Got it Right on Cell Phones. Now We Need Rules For iPads and AI

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As schools around the country began to notice heightened cell phone activity in and out of classes, they began to apply unique tactics in hopes of hindering cell phone use during the school day. They did this to not only improve students’ attention but also their academic performance. The original cell phone policy at Newburyport High School was that all cell phones would be placed in shoe holders during the class period. However, last year, during March of my sophomore year, the school initiated a cell phone dialogue with 123 community members including parents, students, and staff that wanted to have a meaningful say in the new cell phone policy that would be implemented the following year. The new policy stated that all cell phones must be put away, and shut off in students’ backpacks, from the time school started at 8:15 am to the time it ended at 2:15 pm, with lunch being the only time phones could be out during school hours.

Although this new system isn’t perfect, it is nearly impossible to ban all use of technology that isn’t school related, and expect every student to follow it in the technologically reliant world that we live in. However, the implementation of stricter policies, and administrative interference, has created more structured ground rules and punishment for misconduct. This has not only promoted better practices among students, but also teachers, as they now have clear rules to follow that no longer leave room for discretionary beliefs, as happened in past years. The new policy also allows students to feel more independent and take responsibility for their actions. It leaves the students accountable for powering off their phones and placing them in their backpacks, instead of being constantly monitored and asked to place them in shoe holders. This policy allows students to form a healthier relationship with their phone over time, as it encourages self-control, and the proper use of cell phones in an environment that mirrors professional responsibilities.

The fact that the implementation of these rules is even necessary proves that phones have become a distraction in our lives, and are negatively impacting students’ academic performance. However, cell phones are just the beginning. Now, Newburyport High School provides all students iPads for academic purposes – though administrators banned the use of cell phones, they practically handed students an even larger distraction in return. Although there are now bans on some non-academic apps and platforms, the implementation of electronic devices in the school curriculum has completely altered the makeup of the way in which students are learning. iPads have led to shortened attention spans and more multitasking, as students regularly switch from tab to tab, getting distracted by an item of clothing they want to order, or checking their test grade, when they should be focused on writing an essay. This makes it hard for students to fully concentrate on their work, and it reduces their comprehension rate as they are focused on multiple things at once.

The worry that students aren’t fully grasping the materials they are taught also comes from the easy access to answers that kids have nowadays. Especially with AI, students often use the thoughts and information coming from a computer. Even though this is a worry seen widely among schools, technology will continue to evolve, and therefore, we must adapt. Schools need to be able to find new ways to coexist with the newest technology, in order to properly implement it into the schools curriculum, instead of restricting it completely. The school needs a policy for iPads and AI that reflects the cell phone policy, one that empowers students to embrace new technology without abusing it, or allowing it to become a distraction.

As Newburyport High School continues to adapt to the technologically reliant world that we live in, policies of self-discipline teach students to regulate their relationship to technology. This applies more broadly as students, educators, and administration will need to find a way to coexist with emerging technology, especially as students prepare for life beyond high school.

Penelope Jones
Newburyport High School student

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