Are cellphones a distraction in class? AVID 10 P.5 by Miguel Sanchez

yacxiri solorio (106)

2025-10-15 20:45:18 UTC

I think cell phones can be both useful and a distraction. As an example in my avid class we use our phones a lot, in things like turning in snap shots of work done in class. when I did not have my phone on me I had a really hard time turning in my work. but I also think they can be a distraction. I'm my opinion I think they can be a distraction because us as teens have our whole life in our phones. I get distracted by it because I tend to just check my phone to see if I'm missing out on anything.

Kaylee Base (121)

kbase1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:48:32 UTC

I believe that cell phones have been more of a distraction for students rather than a useful tool in the classroom. I think that when students are given the opportunity to use their phones in class, they lose focus on the lesson being taught because they are all surrounded by what's going on on their screen. That being said, I think that cell phones can also be a tool in the classroom. Classrooms have been known to be more technology based in the most recent years, so taking a photo for an assignment, filming with your phone, or simply just using it to help with the assignment can help the cell phone be more of a useful tool in the classroom.

Evie Garcia

egarcia72_2 — 2025-10-15 20:48:50 UTC

I think cell phones had the ability to become something that can benefot you in a classroom and not be a distraction. I think just overtime kids overused cellphones and started doing things that just made them procrastinate or do things that were not their work. I think it really depends how you use them, but most of the time i think they could be used as an distraction. I even find it hard to leave my phone alone while having to do work at home.

Matthew Willard

mwillard1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:48:54 UTC

I think a little bit of both, I think phones can very much be a big distraction in class but it can also be a very good tool. For example, you can look something up or take pictures of notes if you need them. This is super helpful if you don't have time to do something like get onto the doc and find the notes instead you can just take a picture in class and find it in your phone later. It is very much a distraction in class though with notifications and so many different social media apps buzzing every 3 seconds. 103

Ally Steffen (122)

asteffen1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:49:19 UTC

Certain situations in which using a phone in class is acceptable would probably be if you are having family/personal issues, or if you need to use your phone to research something. For example, if something urgent is happening in your life, like a family member is sick and they need to be able to reach you if something happened, then you should be able to have your phone on you and on so you can see it and respond quickly. An example of needing to use your phone to research something would be if your laptop is dead, and it's more of a last-minute effort, or your teacher specifically says that it's okay to use your phone instead to save time.

James Barragan (115)

hbarragan2_1 — 2025-10-15 20:49:26 UTC

I feel like in the classroom, cell phones are more of a distraction. Cellphones contain all of our social media apps and hold all other forms of connection. Whenever we do not have our phones, we wonder if anyone has messaged us or sent us any videos. That sort of suspense is what keeps kids so connected on their phones. When we have to put our phones up or we go a while without our phones, we get a sort of anxiety. This makes us start thinking about what we're missing, and that causes us to stop paying attention to the teacher and makes us focus more on the thought of "what am I missing?"

Lincoln Miller

lmiller1_145 — 2025-10-15 20:49:26 UTC

I think that cell phones are both a distraction and useful. They can be a distraction if you use them while the teacher is presenting or you are supposed to be doing your work. But they can also be useful if you use them to research information. It all depends on the person who has access to the phone. Sme people may be responsible for it, while others may get addicted and not want to put it away. If you don't get off of it, then you may forget the information the teacher taught, and as a result, not do well in your classes. (104 words)

Sebastian Valencia

svalencia3_4 — 2025-10-15 20:49:33 UTC

Schools shouldn't have stricter cell phone rules I believe. Cell phones can be a distraction, but they can also be a very useful tool. Students should be allowed to moderate their cell phone use, because it's a skill they need to learn for day to day life. if they learn earlier on that you shouldn't always use your phone while working on something, then that'll stick with them and they will be able to work better once they are adults and have jobs with the same requirements. Students for the most part are responsible so I believe if we give them a chance then they will try to focus and do the right thing.(114 words)

Katerina (108)

ktauanuu1 — 2025-10-15 20:49:35 UTC

I think students should be trusted with their phones depending on the situation. When a teacher is giving instructions, it's probably best to enforce the rule to have no phones out, but when there's more free time to do their work, students should be trusted with their phones. Because they could listen to music. If a student doesn't have the self-control to stay off their phone, a teacher should intervene, but if they continue doing it, it's their fault; they don't want to get their phone, and it's not the teacher's responsibility to make sure a student has the self-control to get off their phone.

Rebecca Azcorra (118 words)

razcorra1 — 2025-10-15 20:49:41 UTC

I think schools should allow the students to be responsible and put their phones away. High schools say that they are trying to help us be prepared for college, than I think that phones should be allowed. In college, professors don't take away your phone because they already expect you to be responsible. They also don't care because you're paying for the class. I think highschool should be the same way, teachers should give students the opportunity to be responsible. If high school students don't choose to pay attention then that is there choice. I think High school teachers should give students the choice to keep their phones so that students have the choice to be responsible or irresponsible.

Josiah Viado

jviado1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:49:48 UTC

I feel that schools should trust students to self manage because there are certain things in class, like screenshots of homework, that is a lot more beneficial for students to use a phone over a computer. From personal experience the quality of a uploaded picture of homework from a phone is much higher quality compared to a Chromebook picture. On your phone, specifically on the Google classroom app or canvas app, there is a tool that allows you to scan a page, which makes the picture more accurate and legible. There are many other benefits from using a phone in class, which is why schools should trust students to use their phones properly.

Word Count: 113

Chloe Reed (104 words)

creed1_22 — 2025-10-15 20:49:48 UTC

In my opinion, I think students should be trusted to self-manage their cell phone usage in class. I think having a strict cell phone policy makes students want their phones more. The students should be able to face their own consequences if they don't use their phone responsibly in class. Many teachers who are not strict on phones may give guidelines as to when the students should put them away, but they don't get the students in trouble because overall, it is their decision and they should face the consequences of their actions. Overall, students should be trusted to self-manage their cell phone usage.

yacxiri solorio (101)

2025-10-15 20:49:58 UTC

honestly I do not feel bad. in my opinion I think I am not wasting their money. although yes I might be on my phone a lot I do end up getting my work done. even thought I am on my phone I do tend to learn a lot. some people do get really distracted and don't get nothing done when being on their phone but thats not me. I might be on my phone but when its time to work I do focus. I do think they might be very distracting but not as much money wasting type of thing.

Jacob Thomas (110)

jthomas1_147 — 2025-10-15 20:50:12 UTC

If I were a teacher, I would be very technology-heavy. I would utilize AI to help teach and explain concepts better and more specialized for each student. I would also allow the students to use their phones in class, but if they are not paying attention, tough, they will not learn as much. I will not slow down for them or help them extra if I feel like they are not trying. I want my students to learn to use tech because that is the direction we are going as a civilization. Overall, I would use tech a lot as that is the most effective way to learn and teach.

Gwen

gfloyd1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:50:29 UTC

Obviously, as the teenager I am, I am going to say that having cell phones are beneficial and we are better with them. However, if I think of it from an adult or parent perspective, I believe that cell phones are very distracting and can hurt students in the classroom. We are screen obsessed teens that get wrapped up in their phones. If we have phones in the classroom, most kids get distracted. They don't get any knowledge or learning done. Students must be mature and responsible with their devices. They must know what to use and stay on tract. They can't take advantage of the cell phone rule. They need to stay focused and engaged in the classroom to be able to have the ability to use cell phones. They need to learn how to balance. (137 words)

Shaun Platzer

splatzer1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:50:51 UTC

I think that there are good reasons for phones to be a distraction or a useful tool. On one hand the student can be caught in the phone and using it as a distraction instead of a tool. On the other, we use the phones to submit certain assignments. I think it's more of a distraction because of social media and different mobile games that are on their phone. They're especially a distraction when you keep getting notifications from people or from apps. When we see the notification we always want to check it out because it might be important. (100 words)

Jenny Ayala

jayala39_1 — 2025-10-15 20:50:53 UTC

I think students should be trusted to use their phones in class but it always depends on the situation, although some students are better at managing their phone usage than others. Acceptable times to use their phones are during free time, intervention time, and even just to have some music on to help focus. Now lots of students use music to help them focus which I think is acceptable as long as its not interviewing with their learning and being able to hear others. A time where phones should be away is during the teacher talking and giving out instructions, lessons, and when in groups.(106 words)

Ramiro (110)

raquino1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:50:53 UTC

I believe that cell phones are more of a tool but can be a distraction depending on the student. Phones can be used for calculators, notes, and taking pictures of important pieces of information and documents. Similar to AI tools, they can be irresponsibly used and will become a distraction or hold you back. The power is all in the student not in the phone. There's a clear difference between a student who uses their phones resources like calculator and a student who used their phone for playing games in class. Overall, phone can be both a distraction and useful tool but its all in the power of the student.

April Arguelles

aarguelles1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:50:55 UTC

Schools should create an environment where students can be trusted to self-manage. When we get into work environment we are going to have are phones with us going off and becoming a distraction. But what we are currently doing is teaching students to want to check their phones. And have to put it in the a phone pocket to be able to be productive and stay on task. So instead of putting phones in a phone pocket where if they go off it takes longer to shut off. We should teach kids on how to keep ourselves on task with these distractions going on. (Word count: 104)

Andrew Brown (111 words)

abrown7_21 — 2025-10-15 20:51:15 UTC

I think cell phones are mostly a distraction. Firstly, phones have notifications, so it is constantly buzzing and distracting you even if you don't pick them up and respond. Next, it's hard to multitask when on your phone because you are so absorbed in its contents. You can also easily get carried away for this same reason. One text message turns into scrolling on tiktok. Although they can be a useful tool, like for their photo-taking abilities and communication options, they are not that helpful in a classroom setting. A Chromebook is just as good as a phone. The additional benefits like texting, are not at all relevant for school work.

Chloe Fernandez

cfernandez7_3 — 2025-10-15 20:51:21 UTC

Personally, I think schools should not have a cell phone policy and trust the students. If there is a rule in place about phones, kids are more likely to break it. The majority of the time, when students are caught on their phones in class when there are rules in place, they are normally answering important messages or emails coming from parents are teachers. I understand why many schools do it because I'm sure it does increase students' focus, but I really enjoy having my phone for music and more as a resource, then abusing it for other things. Many schools do have it, and I think it is smart, but coming from a student, I think they should trust us, and if we prove them right, we get consequences. (130 words)

David Alvarez(105)

dalvarez23_4 — 2025-10-15 20:51:32 UTC

Personally I feel that phones are a distractions and also a useful tool in the classroom. One reason I think its not helpful is because if you are using it in class you are tempted to answer text go on social media or just do stuff your not supposed to. But one reason I thinks it helpful because a phone has a lot of helpful tools that a computer does not. Another reason I feel like phones are helpful is because of AI. Yea computers have AI to But you can download apps on your phone to help you that you cant on your computer.

Annabelle Shaffer (113)

ashaffer1_2 — 2025-10-15 20:51:33 UTC

I think that many students can be trusted. I think that the teacher should let the kids have the phones, and the only ones that can't are the people with multiple offenses. If someone gets caught multiple times being on their phone, then they can't have a phone. If someone always listens and doesn't get in trouble, then they should be allowed to have their phone. I think that it's unfair that all people have to suffer the no phones just because the majority are abusing them and us them when told not to. I also think that if someone is on their phone and gets caught, they should have a second chance.

ziraili lopez

zlopez2_1 — 2025-10-15 20:51:43 UTC

I don't think schools should have stricter cell phone rules they should just be trusted, but I do believe there are age differences for that so like I think elementary and middle school should not be able to use phones in class. Older kids like in high school and college shouldn't need any phone rules they should just be able to know how to act and be con chess of when your using phones in class. But that why its different so I do believe there should be stricter rules for students 8th grade and below. Its just not far for rules to be strict and no phones allowed because some people wanna use phones in class for not the right reasons. Some students need their phones for certain things related to class. (133)

Enrique Ortiz(102 Words)

eortiz33_1 — 2025-10-15 20:51:48 UTC

I think that cell phones should not be allowed in classrooms because they could just be me, but when I am in class, I get bored quite easily. Still, if there is a phone in front of me, then I don't get bored because I think of playing games on my phone, so I do that. Still, some people may not get distracted that easily, but I believe that the safest thing and the best thing for the students to do is not have their phones with them while learning, so they don't get distracted and start playing games on their phones.

Alana Morales (109 words)

amorales106_2 — 2025-10-15 20:52:11 UTC

I believe that cell phones can either be a distraction or a useful tool in the classroom. The reason why I think they're both is because it all depends on the person. There are some students who have self control on their cellphones and they know when it's appropriate to use their cellphones. But some other students if their teachers aren't so strict with cell phones, won't care and just use their cellphones. Cellphones can also be a useful tool in the classroom as well because there are some apps that help students become organized in class. For example there are some apps that can be used for agendas.

danielle (113)

dwalker1_52 — 2025-10-15 20:52:13 UTC

I think that cell phones can be both useful and a distraction. I think that cell phones are more of a distraction depending on the student. Personally, I am able to have my phone in class and not get distracted by it. I can still stay on track if I have my phone. I think that cell phones can be useful for when you want search something up because lots of things are blocked on school computers. It can also be helpful with turning in assignments that require a picture. I find that I usually get distracted more by my cellphone when I am at home more than when I am at school.

Sydney watson

swatson3_2 — 2025-10-15 20:52:18 UTC

Personally, I think that every student is different and some are better at managing their screen time than others. I also think the phone policies should be loosened because we need to learn about time management and eliminating distractions on our own. Another thing is that as a student myself, I feel more distracted when my phone is put in a pocket on the wall because I feel restricted and I feel like if there were two be an e,regency, I wouldn't be able to contact anyone. Our schools are not safe enough to not have access to our cell phones. (102 words)

Matthew Willard

mwillard1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:52:19 UTC

I think 100% it depends and should be decided on the student and the situation. I think kids should be able to earn having their phones in class and they need to be trusted to only use their phones at the right time. Like certain situations like on tests should have strictly no phones but during intervention time it isn't a big deal to check your phone or look something up. The student also should be a factor like what I said early about how you should earn the ability to have your phone during a period like if a student never uses their phone when their not supposed to they can keep it but if a student uses their phone during a test you don't let them having it during your class period. 134

Samantha lambert (139)

slambert1_18 — 2025-10-15 20:52:27 UTC

I personally don't think students are responsible enough to be trusted with a phone in class. I personally don't know how much I could trust myself with being allowed to have a phone at any time in class, because I would have the urge to go on it. I have watched classmates last year, and I go on out phone all class or all the time. I would be on my phone for the whole lesson, then completely be lost on what we learned, and I watched it with my classmates, too. Yet I do think it ok for students to go on their phone in certain scenarios, for example if there are no assignments and you're done, or for example in my German class, I go on my phone alot to look up the English to German dictionary.

Ryley

rgraybill1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:52:28 UTC

I think whether cell phones are a distraction or a useful tool in the class room depends on the teacher. I notice that in all of my classes, there are different rules about cell phone usage. For example, my second period teacher allows us to keep our phones, while my fourth period teacher makes us put them on the wall. More kids are on their phones during lecture in my second period and I rarely see kids on their phone during lecture in my fourth period. So basically I am saying that some classes and teachers can utilize the phones as a tool by applying to the lessons or assignments. While others do not, but I am still engaged in class and learning the most I can. (127 words)

Brennen Noble (144)

bnoble1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:52:28 UTC

I feel like students should be trusted to already use phones in class. Teachers should trust students to be responsible of them and not have to take them away, even if it's looking at the time, checking notifications, etc. Especially if in an emergency, the student can contact someone at all times instead of not being able to use it at all and potentially have their lives in danger. Students that already have their phones on themselves in class should also take accountability and be responsible of themselves to already not be on their phones during instructional time and pay attention. Sometimes, it could depend on the situation, say if during instructional time where students aren't allowed in the first place, if it was an emergency, they should be able to use it to at least contact someone for themselves or someone they know. (144)

Ally Steffen (109)

asteffen1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:52:59 UTC

I think that cell phones are both a distraction AND a useful tool in the classroom. If you use it too often in the class, like during instruction time or when you're supposed to be doing an in-class assignment, then it is definitely a distraction and should be put away because you need to focus on your work. However-- it can be useful when you need it to research something, but your laptops dead and it would be quicker to pull out your phone rather than wait for it to charge. Sometimes, we also use phones for other things in class, like taking pictures of important assignments and more.

Samantha Castro

scastro9_2 — 2025-10-15 20:53:02 UTC

I think cell phones are both distractions and useful in class because students will use phones instead of learning. Phones play a big distraction in students lives during school, people scroll through social media to waste school time. It is useful for students to use their cell phones in class for a calculator or turning in their work as in like taking pictures of their assignments because school computers aren't helpful when it comes to turning in stuff. Sometimes during class I do tend to get distracted every time I feel my phone buzzing or don't want to do my work anymore.

Word Count (102)

Mia Figueroa

mfigueroa7_3 — 2025-10-15 20:53:24 UTC

I think students should be given a chance to be responsible with their cell phones in class. Every student should be given a chance to use their phone and if they use it irresponsibly then they lose the privilege to have it but it shouldn't ruin the rule for everyone else.I believe it depends on the type of students if they are easily distracted, have no self discipline/can resist temptation or they are able to be useful with it. In some certain situations I think students should be able to use their phone if needed, like to contact a family member in case of an emergency. (108 words)

Rebecca Azcorra (130 words)

razcorra1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:30 UTC

I believe that cell phones can be a distraction but I think you should have enough self control not to be scrolling or texting during a lecture or lesson. I think they are useful when you need to use a calculator or Google something. Cellphones can be a distraction but they also can't be. It depends on how you handle your phone, because you can be on it during a lecture. However, at the end of the day it's going to cause you to struggle because you didn't pay attention. Cellphones can be a distraction but there are also others who can refrain from looking at their phones during a lecture and only if they need to check if there's an emergency message. It just depends on what you priortize.

Sebastian Valencia

svalencia3_4 — 2025-10-15 20:53:31 UTC

Honestly I don't feel too bad because I'm still learning, I'm not always on my phone in class as well. I'll be on it sometimes but then I still get and understand the material so I don't think I'm wasting their money. As long as I'm still learning the material and understanding the concepts I believe that I'm ok with going on my phone occasionally. I wouldn't say that I'm wasting their money since I'm still learning what I'll say. If I had to say, I don't think many people are going on their phones during instructional time, but after that yes they are.(104)

Gwen

gfloyd1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:36 UTC

In my opinion, it definetly counts on the situation and the type of student. The cell phone can be an amazing learning tool in the class. However, some student may be greatly irresponsible with the phone. They need to know the time and place and when it is appropriate to go on it. They must continue to stay on task and engaged in their classroom. Some teachers trust their students. However, one kid can ruin it for everyone. Cell phones can be great when used to the best of their abilities. Having students that are trustworthy to be on the right signs are very helpful as well. (107 words)

James Barragan (109)

hbarragan2_1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:40 UTC

I feel like if I were a teacher, I would limit the amount of screen time that would happen in my class. I would definitely have a phone caddy and GoGuardian for the sole reason that I would want my kids to learn. I want them to come out of my class and say "I didn't know that," or "that's really cool". I also want kids to be able to comprehend the concepts that I am teaching. I want people to leave my class and be like "that lesson was so easy." I never want to be the type of teacher that doesn't help out the students from learning.

Josiah Viado

jviado1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:51 UTC

If I was a teacher I would allow students to use technology on a daily basis because I believe that technology is the future of our world. I feel that if technology is the future, then students should familiarize themselves with the different tools and basic usage of technology. However, before using a lot of technology, I would lecture my students on the dangers technology can have on a young students mental health and well being. Then I would teach students basics of computers in a fun way by using fun learning tools like blooket, quizizz, and Kahoot to keep students actively engaged in class.

Word Count: 105

Alexander Rodriguez (114)

arodriguez205_1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:58 UTC

I believe that phones are more of a distraction than an useful tool because students tend to get distracted by the large variety of apps and uses they start to get distracted with the apps and notifications from friends and family. They start to get off topic when they see a notification when that happens they spend hours on their phone causing them to struggle in classes because they missed the assignment that was due that day because of the common Distractions that the phone makes. The phone can also cause issues when friends text their friends in class they also text their friends telling them to leave that class to wander the halls.

Katerina (108)

ktauanuu1 — 2025-10-15 20:53:59 UTC

I definitely think it depends on which adult, like an adult 20- mid 40s, maybe will understand why phones are important or why people go on their phones so much, but older adults just think you're addicted. I think it's sad how addicted we are to our phones but it's just a sad reality. I think everything went wrong in covid because thats when more phones were coming out. We had so much time so obvisouly the older you are you won't understand becasur you didn't have to go through the time period where everyone was on there phones because there was nothing else to do.

yacxiri solorio (104)

2025-10-15 20:54:05 UTC

honestly nothing is really that important that I need to be on my phone the whole class but its more of the feeling of missing out. I think as a teen we feel like if you are not checking our phone every so often that we are missing out. by missing out I mean like seeing what the world out side my class is doing. at the moment you might think I don't need to be so worried about the outside life. but I think as a very social teen you want to keep up with the things and people who are around you.

Lincoln Miller

lmiller1_145 — 2025-10-15 20:54:29 UTC

I think it all depends on the situation. If a student is using their phone while the teacher is talking or if the teacher has mentioned not using it, then it is more beneficial to take it away or "ban" it. But if the teacher has explicitly said that you are allowed to use it, then I think it is fine. Overall, most teens are addicted to their phones, so they don't have enough discipline to put them away. The more responsible a student is, the more independent they should be. If someone is repeatedly not obeying, then I think it comes to a point when the phone is considered a distraction. (112 words)

Chloe Fernandez

cfernandez7_3 — 2025-10-15 20:54:40 UTC

In the classroom room I use my phone more as a tool than a distraction. There are times when I do use my phone for social media or games when I'm in class, but that's when I have my work done or am on break. The majority of the time, when I use it in class, it's for a calculator or music. Music helps me focus and get my work done faster, which I know can be controversial to parents and teachers. All students are different and use them for different things. I find them to be useful a lot in the classroom. (102 words)

Chloe Reed (108 words)

creed1_22 — 2025-10-15 20:54:46 UTC

I believe cell phones can be a large distraction in class, if the student lets it be. I believe every student should be able to have their phone with them, at all times, especially in class. This means it is up to the student whether they let their cell phone usage become a problem and an interference with their school work, or if they use it responsibly. In some cases, cell phones can be a useful tool in the classroom. This can be to make a bathroom pass, send the work to someone who was absent, or make quick notes on your phone like reminders for due dates.

April Arguelles

aarguelles1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:54:53 UTC

Cell phones can become a distraction and a useful tool in the classroom. This is because some of those notifications can become a distraction. Although they can become a tool when you are using it for reminders on assignments or you can see when something was graded. Also some classrooms can benifit from having cell phones in the class like AVID when you have to take clear pictures of assignments. Overall it depends on how you are using your phones and students who do use their phones should be aware of how they are using them and be aware of the time. (Word count: 102)

David Alvarez (100)

dalvarez23_4 — 2025-10-15 20:55:06 UTC

I don't think there is much important stuff to be on your phone about. But sometimes we are texting people or friends about something that happened or personal and you don't wanna wait to finish the conversation. Another thing is your parents or family texting you something important which is rare but its something that can happen. But I feel like we kinda use our phones as a distraction from when class gets boring or when we finished work. Sometimes we just use them to look up work or try and find something that would help us with he assignment.

Evie Garcia

egarcia72_2 — 2025-10-15 20:55:10 UTC

I think phones are okay to use when you have an absolute emergency you have to answer or your using your phone for a calculator, research, or for example looking at a diagram and taking notes on it. Phones hold endless information and when used right in a classroom, can help you do your work efficiantley. Its important for students to not overuse the cellphone rule and i think if students respected the rules, teachers can be very lenient, with students when it comes to using your phone in class. But to answer this question phones can help you be efficiant and benefit you in getting your work done in a timely manner, and phones can be used when a family emergency is coming into play.

Andre (114)

aalmero1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:55:18 UTC

I believe that cell phones are both a distraction and a useful tool to use in the classroom. The reason I think this is because you can use your phone in many ways to help you succeed in the classroom, but you can get distracted while using them like playing games or anything else. Although I believe it would be cool to implement phones into class work, it just has too many flaws to make it work. It just depends on the trust between a student to teacher and the discipline the students have to not get distracted. For now I believe that it's a distraction in the classroom more than a useful tool.

Jacob Thomas (102)

jthomas1_147 — 2025-10-15 20:55:30 UTC

There are certain situations where phones can be super helpful in class. For example, the use of AI, and being able to stay connected with your family and loved ones in case of an emergency. If you are able to be reachable at all times, it is easier for communication within the family. AI is also super helpful as it can help teach you concepts you are struggling with, give you practice tests, and help you do deep dive research in minutes. Overall, there is a time and a place for everything, including cell phones in a classroom or school environment.

Alyssa Cornish

acornish2_1 — 2025-10-15 20:55:47 UTC

I think in a classroom setting, phones can definitely be a distraction when you are trying to learn, and when you get notifications it tempts you to look at your phone. Also, if you are bored in class by default, you are going to look at your phone, but when that happens, you stop paying attention in class, and when it is time for a test, you aren't going to know the material, then it will show in your grades.

101.

Shaun Platzer

splatzer1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:55:59 UTC

I think having phones out can be acceptable on block days or just when students have a huge class period. Sitting around for 2 hours isn't really ideal in my eyes, and that's why some teachers have stretch breaks where you can get up, talk to friends, and use their phone. It can also be beneficial because just like studying, you don't want to be constantly learning for 2 hours straight because that might overwork the student. I think it's also beneficial when students need to turn something in. Chromebooks can't take good pictures of notes or worksheets like phones can. (101 words)

Ramiro (109)

raquino1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:56:05 UTC

I don't feel any guilt for "wasting" taxpayer money since the government uses that money for much more questionable thing and no one seems to complain about it. I also only end up using my phone for either doing work, checking the time (I still can't read standard clocks) or responding to important messages from my parents or brother. I also believe that if it did waste money, it wont really matter in the grand scheme of things since the government has an absurd amount of money. I also don't think the government would care if a high school student is on their phone a few times a day

Jenny Ayala

jayala39_1 — 2025-10-15 20:56:11 UTC

If I was a teacher I would balance allowing phone usage while keeping students entertained in many ways. One of them is allowing them to have one headphone on and low volume. Many students work better with music so taking that away doesn't feel fair as long as they stay focused and it doesn't become a distraction. I would also give them a small 5-10 minute break during long class periods. Lastly, I would have them put their phones in a chart because some students cant manage to control their phone usage, then during free time, intervention, or breaks they're allowed to use them.(105 words)

Annabelle Shaffer (105)

ashaffer1_2 — 2025-10-15 20:56:35 UTC

I think that in schools, they are more of a distraction. I think that they are such an amazing tool to have, but they are abused and used way too often. I suffer from that; whenever I'm bored and don't want to do anything, I want to scroll randomly. This isn't good, especially for high schoolers' mental health. I think that when a student has a phone, they don't pay attention as much as they should. They don't end up doing their work, and they end up falling behind. If they end up falling behind just because of a phone, that could affect their future.

Enrique Ortiz(105 Words)

eortiz33_1 — 2025-10-15 20:56:46 UTC

I think that a good way of having the students more engaged in school and have them give their best effort is to take them away during notes and assignments, and if they do well, and more than half the class is done with the homework then I would alow around 5 to even 10 minutes of free time and on block days I would give them 5 minutes to take a break to scroll on their phone and talk to friends so they can come back to class determined to finish to get more time to talk with friends and use their cell phone.

danielle (119)

dwalker1_52 — 2025-10-15 20:56:50 UTC

I don't think schools should create stricter cell phone policies than what is already there. I believe that students who have already gotten warned multiple times should get their phone taken away. I think it's unfair to take away phone privileges away from everyone in the class when the class isn't the whole problem, just a couple of students. I think that students should be given the opportunity to be trusted with their cell phone and once they break that trust, it should get taken away. Some students could need their phone to check if/when they are getting picked up, if they need to pick up a younger sibling, and other things they need to do after school.

Samantha Lambert (106)

slambert1_18 — 2025-10-15 20:57:05 UTC

I think in certain classes it is acceptable to use your phone in class when the class you have to look up things alot. I, for German, am always on my phone for dict. Leo, the website that helps turn English words into German words. My German teacher also always wants us to be on that website. In our avid class, we also turn things in online, so using my phone to take a picture helps me an alot. I also think sometimes giving students breaks on their phones is beneficial to help them relax during the block periods, and not having to do school nonstop.

Katerina (110)

ktauanuu1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:09 UTC

I don't think schools should be more strict with the phone policies because the more strict you are, the more ways kids are going to go around the rules and figure out a way to do what they want. I think the rules now are good because you get a warning, an email, and nobody wants an email to their parents, so most of the time it does work. Depending on certain people, it's harder to keep your phone away, but taking it completely away will have the kids think of that all day and not even be able to focus, just become focused on how to get their phone.

Gwen

gfloyd1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:10 UTC

Although I know I do this, I don't really agree with the reason or think it is a good reason as to why we are always on our phones. My generation grew up online. We are all so used to being connected and online all the time. We think it is so important to answer all of our friends. Notifications from other people greatly affect us. It makes us want to answer right away. It makes us doom scroll since we are so lazy. We want to be constantly be in the loop and know what is always going on with everyone and everything. We lack face to face connections and interactions. We need to be in the moment and be thankful for what we are doing in person. Instead of what is going on somewhere else that we see on our phones. (142 words)

Ryley

rgraybill1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:11 UTC

I think there is definitely a disconnect between adults and teenagers about technology because adults did not grow up and go to school with phones like we do. They probably see it as something unproductive. I do not think they understand how to use cell phones as tools. I do agree my phone can distract me from certain things, but it also helps me so much and I like to use it as a tool rather than a distraction. I do not think adults understand this because the went through school without it, but like times have changed and cell phones are more than distractions. (105 words)

Ally Steffen (108)

asteffen1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:12 UTC

I think that schools should be less strict on their cell phone policies, and that they should trust students to manage it themselves. Eventually, in my experience, student's will get bored of their cell phones if they are on them too much, and they'll get put away. Also-- students see the effect that focusing on their phone rather than their work has on their grade. If they care enough, they'll start to try and fix the problem that they have. Let students take accountability and realize for themselves that prioritizing their devices is more detrimental to their grades AND future than they realize, and they'll lock in quick.

Sydney watson

swatson3_2 — 2025-10-15 20:57:18 UTC

Adults definitely just think we are addicted to our phones. They just don't understand how much we do rely on our phones not only for social media but to sustain our social lives. Back in their time, they had to learn how to go outside and socialize, whereas most of us didn't get the chance to learn how to do that. If you really think about it, it is sad, but its not our faults. We communicate with our friends and family on our phones, we learn things like how to cook and how to clean on our phones, and much more. One more big thing that we do on our phones is turning in school work. As our schools get more advanced, we are starting to use our phones more in school. (133 words)

Matthew Willard

mwillard1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:20 UTC

I think schools should be maybe a little more stricter on phones than what they have right now. Just like more teachers calling it out and following through on taking phones and stuff. I don't think they should be able to keep you phone till the end of the day but if you mess up and you are on your phone, your teacher should be allowed to take your phone until the end of class at the latest. Or I think teachers taking your phone until after they finish lecturing or teaching would be a good time to give the phone back so they have it during intervention. This is because it is your time and if you don't do the work it's on you. 125

Brennen Noble (100)

bnoble1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:31 UTC

Students should already be trusted with their phones and not have stricter policies than it already is. Although phones can be distracting sometimes and they could be tempted to use it during instructional time, students are able to handle themselves and use it responsibly during class. It's not like they would be on it the whole time during class, it could be something small like checking the time or changing music. It's way different now that it is high school and students should already be expected to pay attention in class at all times and not be on their phones. (100)

Kaylee Base (126)

kbase1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:57:51 UTC

I think that students being trusted enough to use their cell phones responsibly in class depends on themselves as well as the situation. Many kids can be able to quickly check their phone when working on an assignment, but most kids (myself included) get too caught up in their cell phones to really pay attention in class. Many kids don't like school, so they use their cell phones as an escape from school. I do believe that it depends on the situation however. For example, a test or an assignment that takes up a big chunk of their grade they should not be able to use their phones, because they can't handle balancing both a big assignment with the distractions that pop up on their phones.

Sebastian Valencia

svalencia3_4 — 2025-10-15 20:58:03 UTC

if I were a teacher I think I would balance using technology and keeping students engaged by allowing for free time during time after the instructional period. I would teach the class for a little bit and then I would switch gears and let them have free time for a bit and then let them get back to work. After instructions I would let them have "free time" but this is because most of them would be working and not really on their phones a lot. some of them would use their phones but from what I've seen most of them would focus on the work at hand.(108)

Sam Meyer (105 words)

smeyer1_50 — 2025-10-15 20:58:38 UTC

I think schools should trust students to self-manage because I think students should learn how to have self-control and learn how to stay focused. I also think that phones can be a useful tool in school because they can be used to turn in assignments and look up things on your phones. Students should be able to moderate their cellphone use. This will help students in the future to maintain focus and have self-control. Schools should let students take responsibility for having a phone. I think that if students don't pay attention in class, then they won't pass the class, so it is their choice.

Andrew Brown (143 words)

abrown7_21 — 2025-10-15 20:58:39 UTC

I do not think the solution to students using phones is to completely restrict them or place harsh rules on them. I feel like you can't control whether or not a student is engaged in a class. If you take away their phone, that doesn't guarantee that they will actively listen to a lecture. It's more of a mindset thing that the student needs to fix on their own. While most of the students who care about a class will be off their phone, there will always be a few on their phone not paying attention, and I think we need to accept that. Ideally, everyone should have the chance to succeed in a class, and taking away phones could help that cause, but it really comes down to the student. Its their education, and if they want to waste thats their choice.

Chloe Reed (115 words)

creed1_22 — 2025-10-15 20:58:44 UTC

Speaking from experience, I think it depends on the student and situation to determine if students can be trusted to use cell phones in the classroom. Before the cell phone rule, I noticed many of my peers who were constantly on their phone, didn't pay attention or take notes, and their grades reflected that. However, other peers who used their phone occasionally, who were able to put it away when the lecture was taking place, their grades positively reflected their behaviors. This is the main reason why I think the ban can be unfair, because they only look at how the students with poor grades use their phones, and not the students with good grades.

Tanner Bates (199)

tbates1_19 — 2025-10-15 20:58:44 UTC

It's not extremely important for me to be on my phone all the time, but if people are trying to connect with me, I need to have my phone so I can respond. While having your phone with you constantly may seem unhealthy, it's also important for you to keep in contact with people. If you're someplace where you need a ride after, you'll need your phone with you to make sure that you can get a ride. Not only does your phone count as your connection to friends and family, but as a streaming service and a work device. If I don't have my computer on me, it's easy to pull out my phone and complete an assignment. If we're given something to look over before a test or quiz, I can easily pull it up on my phone to review. Our phones are technically mini computers, so they allow a compact device for so many uses. They can also be used as a mini TV, or a mirror, or a place to write your thoughts, notes, etc. Your phone allows for a relaxed lifestyle, that allows for you to get SO much more done, and set up.

Samantha Castro

scastro9_2 — 2025-10-15 20:58:58 UTC

I think from my perspective the important thing that is on my phone is a calculator and some apps that I like to use for my assignments. Most people like to just go on their devices to text people or because they don't do their work. Others may think a cell phone isn't important and useful but from students it is. There is pros and cons to using devices during class. As someone who likes to be updated on what's going on in the social life, I like to scroll sometimes through social media and that's when I cant get back on track with doing my assignments.

Word Count (107)

Josiah Viado

jviado1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:59:01 UTC

I believe that trusted cell phone usage is solely based on the student and situation because I believe that students have different attention spans for many reasons, in some cases it's not even their fault. In some cases students can have a small attention span because of certain attention disorders, like ADHD, that makes students less interested in class and more tempted to use their cell phone or do something else. On the other hand, there are students who are very mentally disciplined, they shut their phone off completely and leave out of their reach, in backpack and not in pockets. There are a variety of different types of students, so that's why I believe that trusted cell phone usage is solely based on the student.

Word Count: 126

April Arguelles

aarguelles1_1 — 2025-10-15 20:59:06 UTC

Most adults see phones as an addiction and for the most part it is. But phones are not going away and we are only going more towards technology with all the new inventions coming out. Adults see how much they use their phones and instead of being understanding and teach their kids to be responsible with it. They remember what it was like before phones and don't adjust. There is importance with having a phone and adults do see it as a tool which is why most kids are given one. Mainly because it's not safe and phones are the way we contact everyone. (Word count: 104)

Rebecca Azcorra (119 words)

razcorra1 — 2025-10-15 20:59:19 UTC

I don't feel guilty just because I know I am not spending the entire class time on my phone. There are times where I will go on my phone for a couple minutes only if I need a brain break. It also depends on the day and class because there could be nothing to do so I'll go on my phone. However, I am not constantly on my phone during class because I know that I need to learn in order to do the assignment or do good on the test. People may need their phone taken away but I know the majority of people can refrain from using their phones during class because they prioritize the same things.

Lincoln Miller

lmiller1_145 — 2025-10-15 20:59:22 UTC

If I were a teacher, I would definitely put some limits on phone use. I wouldn't want my class to be known as the "easy class" or the class where everyone doesn't know the material. If there weren't restrictions, then kids wouldn't learn, and I definitely wouldn't want that. I would want people to learn and leave the classroom knowing the material. These days, most kids are addicted to phones that they got early on. If every teacher were to put the same limits on phones, then maybe kids could be more focused and have a higher overall average GPA. (100 words)

Mia figueroa

mfigueroa7_3 — 2025-10-15 20:59:34 UTC

I think a phone can be both useful or a distraction. They can be useful if the student needs a calculator and the teacher does not provide nor do they have one. If the teacher does not supply materials that the students need they can find other ways to acquire things like on the phone. The phone can be a distraction because of social media and the desire to be updated or to be doing something you enjoy on your phone other than working on school work. Either way it could both benefit the student in case of learning and being informed by the school. (105 words)

Alana Morales (146 words)

amorales106_2 — 2025-10-15 20:59:37 UTC

An important reason why I need to be on my cell phone all the time from a teen's perspective is because of emergencies. I don't need to be on my phone all the time but I always like to have my phone on me in case of emergencies. If I don't have my phone on me I could miss important calls or texts from my family members. An example is during class a few years ago I had gotten an important text from my family about a family situation and since it was in my backpack because of a cellphone policy I heard the buzz and I automatically checked because I felt like it was something important and it was. Thank goodness I checked it because then a few minutes later I got a phone call from my family and I had to leave right away.

Chloe Fernandez

cfernandez7_3 — 2025-10-15 20:59:53 UTC

If I were a teacher, I would ask my students options on phones and then figure out a policy that is reasonable but works for them and me. If you communicate and build a relationship with your students, it helps create trust in a working classroom. I would let my students use them for in-class as a resource. If I catch them doing other things, I would have a chat and give them a warning. I would let them use it during breaks, and if they have done all their work, then why wouldn't they be allowed to be on it? I wouldn't let my student walk over me about the phones, but I wouldn't be a rude old teacher who goes against them completely. (125 words)

Evie Garcia

egarcia72_2 — 2025-10-15 21:00:22 UTC

I think it really does depend on the adult. Some adults are very " old school" meaning they didnt have technology, or not as advanced technology, and since they didnt have that growing up, they have to get used it to it now. This causes them to not understand, and not realize that phones play a major role in teenagers day to day life. As a teenager, I use my phone too communicate to my friends, and people in my community. Even when asking for help on homework and talking to my peers about what we learned in the prior lesson. Phones can also set alarms and calenders to help you visually see what needs to get done. I think it depends on the student because a lot of students feel the need to use their phone for no benefit just purely enjoyment. And this is when students have the possibility to get addicted.

Shaun Platzer

splatzer1_1 — 2025-10-15 21:00:25 UTC

I don't think schools should make stricter policies for phone usage because it's going to anger the students. Even though phones might be a huge distraction, I think that students should have to manage this by themselves because it would teach them discipline. Teachers should continue teaching and if a student isn't paying attention that's on them. And if the parents were to get mad over it the teacher/school would tell them that the student is constantly on their phone. Overall I think this is the solution because it benefits people who finish work early and punishes people who use their phone 24/7. (105 words)

yacxiri solorio (105)

2025-10-15 21:00:53 UTC

I think is there is many situations where having a phone out can be very helpful not just for us but for the class. sometimes a teacher needs to get a hold of a student out side of class and has no way of contacting them. they can have a student text or call them. you can also use them to take clearer pictures of your work or as a calulater. I use my phone im class in many ways that help me. I dont just use it to keep up with the out side world. I think they can be very useful at times.

Jacob Thomas 101

jthomas1_147 — 2025-10-15 21:01:03 UTC

90% of adults think phones are pointless addictions; however, that is far from the truth. Phones open up the world to you, as you can look up questions, talk to people around the world, stay organized, and do many other crazy and helpful things. Adults didn't grow up with all the tech that we did, and we are just used to it. We can utilize it in almost every aspect of our lives. Overall, our generation uses tech in almost every aspect of our lives, from communication, school, to daily life tasks.

Sydney watson

swatson3_2 — 2025-10-15 21:01:09 UTC

I do not feel bad for the tax payers because that is not my problem. That may sound rude or offensive but I am a student who has no control over what I learn or what the curriculum in. Many teachers will give us the remainder of the class to do whatever we want. If anyone should feel bad then it is the teachers because if they really wanted to, they could have more control over our phones and what we do with them. For the six hours of school that we do have, how we spend our time is mostly out of our control, like I said to begin with. (111 words)

danielle (109)

dwalker1_52 — 2025-10-15 21:01:13 UTC

I think that adults understand to an extent. If age range is from 35+, I think that they only somewhat get it but adults younger than that may have a better understanding. I think older adults see it as an addiction more since they grew up with very little technology like that and only started seeing it once they had kids. Younger adults may have been seeing the new technology once they were a teen or early 20's so they were able to experience more first-hand. Personally, I do think that can phones keep us connected but also I think that almost everyone my age is addicted to them.

David Alvarez(108)

dalvarez23_4 — 2025-10-15 21:01:40 UTC

If I was a teacher I feel like I would kinda balance out time for my students to have some breaks from the class like 5 minutes to go outside to use their phone. But I think I would allow phones in class just not for it to be a distraction but also I would make it if they aren't paying attention or not focused that's on them and they need to stop being on their phone. And if I see them being like that all the time I would take it away and talk to them about it and if they continue doing it tell their parents.

Ramiro (103)

raquino1_1 — 2025-10-15 21:02:30 UTC

I think school's shouldn't have stricter phone rules since its all in the power of the students. The students choose to use their phone in class and those type of students should be remaindered. It isn't fair to the students who use their phone in class in a healthy manner such as using calculator or learning tools. There are many responsible students who have enough self-management to not use their phone distractedly and they shouldn't have to go through the same punishment that students who do use their phone distractedly. Overall, schools shouldn't enforce stricter phone rules since its all the students doing

Enrique Ortiz(101 words)

eortiz33_1 — 2025-10-15 21:02:59 UTC

I don't think that the cell phone rules work cause I have talked to some people were they say they get more bored and not being able to look at their phone, and they still want to do it, so what I'm saying is that the people who want to be on their phone could stay on there phone and the people who dont want to and want to really focus on there studies should be able to learn and be granted there gift of graduating while the other starts to think of what they did.

Alexander Rodriguez (111)

arodriguez205_1 — 2025-10-15 21:05:53 UTC

Things that can be important is if the student is having some problems at home. If they are the oldest they need to be more focused on their phone in case a family member is injured or they get in trouble and the parents can't pick them up from their school. Even if they are not the oldest things can still happen to a loved one that need immediate attention causing them to focus more on their phone because they are worried about what will happen to their friends or family. Kids in high school have a higher responsibility if they have a family member that has some kind of injury.

Jenny Ayala

jayala39_1 — 2025-10-15 21:07:28 UTC

I believe phones can be both a distraction and a useful tool in the classroom because if students just use it to scroll during the whole period it can be a distraction. If students have their phones out and receive notifications they are tempted to look at it even if it's nothing that important. Although it also works as a tool, for example here in avid class we use it more often than in others. It could be for sending pictures of our work to us through email, researching something when chromebooks aren't out or even taking pictures of important observations. (101 words)

James Barragan (113)

hbarragan2_1 — 2025-10-15 21:07:33 UTC

I feel as though schools should ease up on the phone rules that they already have. For example, certain schools have these phone pockets that you have to put your phone in, and you have to lock it up for the rest of the day. That can cause so much harm that I don't think certain school districts think that they are doing. Family members can be trying to contact you about something that is happening, or even worse, there might be someone threatening the safety of your child who is on campus. I also think that some schools just have to accept that students are going to try anything to bypass it.

Samantha Lambert(100)

slambert1_18 — 2025-10-15 21:08:20 UTC

I think some adults understand, but some don't. I think my phone understands why I'm on my phone a lot because she likes to watch reels all the time, yet she still is on me about it. My grandparents on my dad's side think phones are addicting, yet don't care when I'm on mine. My grandpa thinks all kids are addicted to them and need to be outside more. My dad loves his phone and isn't strict about it. Yet most teachers at my school think all teenagers are addicted to phones, except my German teacher.

Lucy Stiteler

lstiteler1 — 2025-10-15 21:11:03 UTC

I think that it's both. I believe that cell phones are more of a distraction than a useful tool in the classroom recently. I think that most students abuse the fact that some of their teachers are more lenient on phone policies and use it to their advantage. Students can often be found playing games or scrolling instead of doing their work. However, phones can be a really useful tool on the classroom setting, Not only do phones give you the opportunity to take pictures of assignments, notes, or the board if you need to take notes later but they also offer a calculator if you don't have one, the ability to search things up, and a way to communicate with other students for assignments. (125)

Brennen Noble (100)

bnoble1_1 — 2025-10-15 21:12:48 UTC

I believe cell phones are both a distraction and a useful tool in the classroom. Phones can be tempting to look at during class instructional time and check notifications, etc. But there are also useful apps to use that can help you understand something during an assignment. In AVID, I feel like it's more useful because every time we do assignments, we always have to take pictures and using our phones is a very useful way to use it to send it to our computer.

Alana Morales (142 words)

amorales106_2 — 2025-10-16 03:28:37 UTC

If I were a teacher I would want my students to be engaging in their learning but also give them some breaks to use their phones. So I would use some rules for phones. In my class I would want my students to understand their learning and not just let it go through one ear and out the other since they are using their phones. I would do what teachers normally do. I would have my students put their phones in a phone pocket that is away from them and only let them use it during breaks or after I'm done teaching. I think that this rule is highly effective because my math teacher does this for her classes and I think having my phone away from me helps me from being distracted and actually learning the material that I am given.

Shaylee

slynch1_25 — 2025-10-17 19:50:25 UTC

I think that cell phones can be a mix of both. Its definitely distracting to have it next to you while working because its so tempting to go scroll and check out the latest updates. However, if you're using it as a tool and can strictly use it as a tool it can be very helpful. Cell phones have many useful tools like calculators, Google, or apps that help with homework. I think I would better not using it as a tool because it distracts me too much even when trying to use it as a tool. So, I out it away when I'm working so that I'm more locked in. Its very important to limit your distractions when working so I would recommend putting it away unless you can use it for work purposes only. (136)

Shaylee

slynch1_25 — 2025-10-17 19:57:49 UTC

I don't think that there is too much important business going on to be on your phone all the time. However, sometimes there could be an emergency and someone needs your help. So I think people make sure to constantly check there messages to see if its important. Or it could even be family related and your parents are trying to reach you. personally my mom sends me many messages everyday informing me about things so I try and answer most of them. Teenagers that are constantly on their phones for long periods of time are probably just scrolling and losing track of time because I catch myself doing it a lot. Your cell phone can really suck you in and you can blow past hours and not even realize it. To manage your time better set times for how long you can use a certain app.(147)

Jaylene rosales

jrosales21_3 — 2025-10-17 20:56:32 UTC

I think that schools should start to trust students more and let them be responsible on there own. From my experience every time schools get more stricter and stricter with the phone policy's they students dont react to it too well and i think that it makes the students even more mad and they use there phones more and more and it dosent help out the conflict. So i belive that students should be trusted and if there on there phone and dont do there work then thats on them because they dont want to do nothing and just go on there phone and then when they ask what they can do to get there grade up teachers should just say nothing cause u were always on your phone.(130)