It’s an abnormal thing to see a teenager’s screen time within single digits by the time the afternoon hits. However, with the phone ban in place at North Atlanta, that’s how it’s looking for most kids. Now that screenager and phone-watching have lost their meaning in the hallways, what are North Atlanta students doing instead of using their phones? Have they picked up new hobbies? Found some sneaky new way of using their electronic devices? Or have they surrendered to the new rules?
Most teachers in North Atlanta have invested in what’s now known as a phone caddy, the dreaded labeled pocket hung in the front of their classroom, equipped with the space to hold thirty phones. It’s a known fact that some students don’t hand in their phones, with the average excuse of “I don’t have it today” or “I forgot it at home,” which most teachers understand is a lie. However, for those who do put it in the caddy and watch it hang for what feels like days, what do they do during their free time in class?
Some students have gone the board game route, bringing out those dusty boxes that hang in closets – crazy, right? Students like Aya Ghamlouch have started Uno tournaments during lunch amongst friends, a game that can break up friendships quite fast. Other students are following suit. Ma’Kiyah Paxton is trying new hobbies to fill the void of time she now has; her sketchbook’s pages are filled with different designs, all completed once she is finished with her work. “Drawing, writing new books, completing my to-do list, or even learning a new skill are now my entertainment,” Paxton said.
On the other end of the coping spectrum, those who don’t have games to bring say that they’ve filled up their newfound time with work. Nyla Birk says, “I’ve been doing better on getting all my work done on time, maybe the .”
Some are adapting to the new rules quite well, while others are stuck thinking about the old days. It’s not always a result of their screen addictions, but rather the lack of communication with the outside world. Even a simple text clarifying to parents that it’s just a safety hazard during an emergency drill is calming. Alessandra (Faith) Mallik said, “It’s stressful if I have some sort of conflict during the day and I can’t let my parents know.”
As the year moves along, students will inevitably face road bumps regarding phone rules, but this may be a blessing in disguise.
