The imposition of strict phone usage restrictions in schools, though well-intentioned, presents several challenges that deserve consideration. Over the past few years, Seattle Prep’s phone policies have undergone significant transformations, while both pre-COVID and present phone policies completely prohibited phone usage, the policies implemented in between oscillated. Over these years, the phone policy transitioned from allowing unrestricted phone use outside of class to permitting phones only for communication during lunch. These policies raise concerns about attitudes towards authority, the restriction of student autonomy, and limitations communicating with friends, family, and coaches.
Enforcing a stringent phone policy can potentially foster negative attitudes toward authority among high school students. Adolescents at this stage of their development are striving for independence and greater control over their decision-making processes. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, three-fourths of adolescents aged fourteen to sixteen believe that adults should respect their right to make their own decisions.
Last year, students were given the opportunity to demonstrate responsible phone use during the day, but without clear consequences for misuse. Students knew they should not be on their phones unless it was during lunch for communication purposes, however, students were not aware of the long-term repercussions for misuse. Students knew if they were misusing their phones it would result in a warning or potential JUG and the loss of their phone for the day. These short-term consequences did not call attention to the long-term consequences imposed this year. If students were provided clear and outlined consequences, they may have behaved differently in order to preserve their limited phone privileges.
This year, all phone privileges were taken away without students being given the opportunity to behave responsibly with a clearly articulated policy that enumerated consequences of noncompliance. In other words, students were not given a fair chance. When strict policies are enforced without allowing room for responsible use, it can lead to resentment and defiance as students feel that their autonomy is being stripped away. Instead of solely resorting to punitive measures for misbehavior, especially punitive measures not articulated at the outset, a more effective approach may involve engaging with students to promote responsible technology usage. This approach empowers students to make thoughtful decisions, fostering cooperation rather than breeding bitterness and antagonism.
The limitation of student autonomy not only gives rise to hostility and defiance but also hinders adolescents’ ability to develop into responsible young adults. Prep offers a protected environment that prepares students for the challenges of the outside world and college. However, when this protection becomes excessive, students may struggle to adapt to situations that require independent decision-making. Schools must strike a balance between guidance and self-direction, allowing students to learn when it is appropriate to use their phones. In the real world, no one dictates phone usage, but there are still socially acceptable and unacceptable times for it, such as during class or important social occasions.
According to Lane Gooding ’25, “the most noticeable change is that students are forced to socialize during lunch since using their phones is no longer an option.” While socializing at lunch is a positive step for students, forcing students to socialize because of the absence of their phones does not benefit students but instead hampers their development. By restricting phone usage, students miss out on valuable opportunities to learn about responsible phone use such as recognizing circumstances to socialize versus scroll on TikTok. When students are not provided with the freedom to make their own decisions, they are unable to learn and grow from their mistakes.
Furthermore, as Matt Kennedy ’24 pointed out, the phone policy hampers “ease of communication within the flow of the day.” The absence of cell phones significantly complicates communication with parents, friends, and coaches. Scenarios such as contacting a coach about practice or communicating with a parent about pick-up or after-school plans require a student to have access to their phones. Limiting students’ phone access can create unnecessary logistical challenges for both students and those they need to reach.
While restricting phone usage during school hours seeks to address important concerns, it is crucial to weigh these downsides against the potential benefits. Schools must strive to find a balance between fostering a productive learning environment and recognizing students’ legitimate needs for communication, autonomy, and opportunities for personal growth.
