Several states have recently enforced a ban over the use of technology during school hours. Senate Bill 700 was first introduced by Senator Ryan Aument. His goal was to increase academic performance, benefit students’ mental health, and improve social skills by limiting screen time hours in school. Bellefonte High falls in one of the states that are affected by this ban.
Staff and students at BAHS have both vocalized their opinions with this new ban. Teachers were more in favor of the ban as students are able to focus more in class, verbally talk to other students, and overall be more productive. Students on the other hand are mostly not in favor of the ban as they would use their phones for music to study, communicate with friends, and use their phone to help with taking notes.
Government teacher Mrs. Allyson Durney appreciates the ban. She can see how students have become more productive in her class without the use of their phones.
“I am 100% on board with the ban. It is really great for students to refocus, which is the point of being at school,” Mrs. Durney said.
Senior Owen Cordon has mixed emotions when it comes to the new phone ban. Like many students at Bellefonte High, he feels as if there are reasonable times to have access to his phone.
“I understand the new phone ban but it doesn’t make sense to me that we can’t have access to them during our study hall periods. I use mine for music and it doesn’t make sense to me that we can’t use them,” Owen said.
Senior Evie St. Amant understands where the administration is coming from, but thinks the way the ban was set up will turn out to be unsuccessful.
“I also think that not being able to use them during study hall is pointless because it’s our own time and we should be able to do what we want. Students feel more comfortable on their phone in study halls when they have nothing to do, so it seems wrong to take away something students feel comfortable with,” Evie said.
Overall, this is a mandatory adjustment Bellefonte has to take. Students will get more adjusted as time goes on, as this phone ban has a purpose it is going to fulfill.
