This school started like any other: crowded elevators, intriguing classes, and reconnecting with friends. But one major difference stands out: phones. This year, North Atlanta High School has banned the use of cell phones during the school day. Teachers now collect phones in “jails” or bins at the start of class, and students are expected to keep their devices away in hallways and the lunchroom. It has been quite an adjustment compared to previous years, for both staff and students. The question remains: how are teachers and students reacting?
The consensus is that the policy brings a good change to NAHS as teachers have noticed an increase in attentiveness and engagement during class. Students have been more likely to collaborate and participate in group discussions. Freshman Riley Price described that she feels the policy has worked for her as she is more focused and prepared for class. “I think the policy is just better, especially after seeing phones being linked to lower grades,” she said.
Liking the policy is one thing, but enforcing it is another. While most teachers have found collection methods manageable, the phone jails come with certain challenges for both students and staff. In some cases, students have forgotten to pick up their phone and rush back to class to pick it up. Some students have issues separating from their phones, causing tensions between teachers and students surrounding putting their phones away. Ms. Caitlin Tripp, a World History teacher, was lucky not to face many issues; her adjustment to the policy ran smoothly overall. “It can be hard to enforce, but students are complying well, making class run smoother,” she said.
Many people are curious about how the policy will run throughout the year, and students are wondering how long it will last. Despite students being worried about not having phones in emergencies, many staff are happy to welcome the break from constant distractions. Teachers hope to be able to make the classroom a place to step off social media and learn effectively, giving students a distraction-free class period. French Teacher Mr. Robin Oliver, who hopes the policy will inspire greater change, avidly believes that society needs to push away from technology. “The obsession with technology comes at the expense of our humanity,” he said.
Although the year has only just begun, the outlook among NAHS students and staff is hopeful. As phones stay off on all eleven stories, opportunities arise to forge deeper connections and truly live up to the spirit of being the North Atlanta Warriors.
