Cell phone usage has continuously grown in schools. Many teachers are opposed to cell phones in a classroom setting. Some districts have even begun to enforce stricter cell phone policies. 

Lincoln Public Schools is one of these districts. Upon entering the classroom, Lincoln Southwest High students must place their phone in a designated area assigned by the according to the Lincoln Public Schools handbook. This rule is in place in order to prevent cell phone distraction in classrooms.  

Other school districts such as Westside and Millard have guidelines for cell phones, but no other school has taken a step as big as Lincoln.  

As for Westview High School, there are specific rules established. The district of Omaha Public Schools’ code of conduct states, “High school students are permitted to use cell phones and PEDs only during lunch and passing periods, as well as before and after school.” 

If these guidelines are not followed, administrators may confiscate personal devices and give them to the designated staff member.  

Westview teachers have tried their best to enforce these district rules. With many opinions, including those of students, conflict has grown. 

“Cell phones make it difficult at times because it’s harder to teach with distractions. There are times as a teacher we have to think about how we enforce our policy because we want students to pay attention,” said social studies teacher Mr. Moore. 

From a survey with twenty students, Westview students spend an average of six hours and 29 minutes on their phone a day. The most used apps include TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. These apps have entertainment such as videos to watch while in class.  

Staff at Westview have almost half the amount of screen time as students, with an average of three hours and 39 minutes, Messages and Safari being their most used apps.  

According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Research has shown that cellphones distract and negatively impact reaction times, performance, enjoyment of focal tasks, and cognitive capacity.” 

Research studies conducted by various sources confirm that students do not benefit from having access to their phones in school. A recent study by CBS news shows that cell phone use in schools has grown 11 percent since 2015. This same study found that 99 percent of teachers support phone restrictions in schools. 

Westview English teacher Mrs. Myers believes that the Westview cellphone policy should have more consistent enforcement.  

“Students who stay focused have critical thinking skills that go deeper because they aren’t distracted from their phone,” said Myers.  

Other teachers at Westview still believe in a cell phone policy but understand why a student might use their phone. In a classroom setting, many uses for a cell phone can be found. From a quick Google search, to joining a Kahoot from your mobile device, Westview students have found themselves in many situations where they quickly pull their phone out. 

“I agree with technology. I think it’s a great thing and we all are going to use it. But in a classroom setting there is a time and a place for it,” said social studies teacher Mr. Modrell. 

As for now, Westview continues to implement and impose the district wide cell phone policy found in the student code of conduct.