A new law that has swept through schools in Indiana, and many other states, has left students dissatisfied and even outraged. Many students have been upset and complaining publicly, or even ignoring it. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, Indiana has chosen to ban the use of phones at school during class, except for any educational purposes. In the years prior, schools and teachers regulated phone policies, but this year, it has become mandatory to ban them. However, how good has this policy been, and how does it benefit or hinder the school environment?

Many teachers have complained that students had been distracted and unable to properly participate in class due to their phones. Mrs. Sweeney, a teacher at BHSN, compared the usage of phones in her class prior to the law to an addiction. “It became a really big problem, to the point where students were almost unwilling to get their computers out, preferring instead to type a four page paper for Senior English on their phones.”

Freshman Laila Santiny had a slightly different opinion. “I think [the phone policy] is a bit dramatic, and we should have more time to be on our phones.”

Bloomington High School North’s principal, Mr. Stark, stated that students personally thanked his staff for the phone policy. “”We’ve had close to a dozen students that have come up to various administrators and thanked us for the cell phone policy.” The administrators who were spoken to weren’t named. Sweeney has also praised the law. “I really have come to like it.”

Teachers have all had positive opinions on the policy. “It could be good with getting higher grades.” says Santiny. Overall, it seems that banning phones has had a positive impact on the school.

However, many people have security related worries about the policy. In America, safety in classrooms is a large concern, and many students nationwide have become open about their worries. Santiny believes that students should be able to use their phones during emergencies,
and be able to contact people, like parents or the police. Mrs. Sweeney stated that, during an emergency, students are allowed to have their devices. “I would say get your phone out. Most students have their phones with them, not tucked away in a locker.”

While phones being banned is a change for North, and many schools in Indiana and across the country, it seems students can adjust and appreciate it.