Recently, the administration decided to have increased enforcement of the district’s cell phone policy as well as greater consequences for those who violate that policy. The policy that was passed by the board of education last year requires students to keep their phones silenced and out of sight during class time. If a student is caught using their phone in class, they can now be required to turn it into the office for the rest of the day. Those who refuse to give up their phone could face additional consequences.

“The current phone policy is actually a result of staff complaints about cell phones in classrooms,” said Principal Claudia Cooper. “I originally brought a cell phone policy that was being used by West High to the staff to review and they were not in favor of it so we devised our own.”

Most of the students we spoke to were understandably opposed to the increased enforcement. Paola Galicia (11) believes the policy is outdated and unnecessary in today’s technology-driven world. 

“Technology is constantly evolving, and phones will always be a part of life,” she said. “I feel like instead of banning devices we should try and find a way to make them more educational and teach students a different way to use phones rather than just social media.”

“If you’re doing your work and not bothering anyone,” Jimmy Nguyen (12) said, “why should it matter?”

However, teachers are largely in favor and appreciate the support from administration in combating the issue. 

“I think it aligns greatly with our missions and values, because our goal is to educate you guys, phones are a distraction, so we’re just eliminating one more distraction to make you better students, to prepare you for your future,” psychology teacher Todd Sidwing said.

The administration is monitoring the effectiveness of the policy’s goal of minimizing distractions for a more focused learning environment. As technology continues to shape education, schools like Southeast are navigating the challenges of integrating devices into the classroom while preserving a conducive learning atmosphere.