Almost every teen has a phone that they use whenever they want.

But no longer at school. 

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, as well as across the state, students are now required to have their phones locked away, from “bell to bell”, once they enter the school. 

Some students say the rules leave him feeling anxious and unsafe. 

“It makes me feel anxious (not having my phone),” said Irvin Rosas (Class of 2028).

“I touch the back of my pocket and I’m used to my phone being there but it’s not anymore since the whole phone policy started.¨

But despite these concerns, many see the benefits of  having the phones in the pouches.  

Assistant Principal Ms. Downs says she’s already noticed big changes since the new cellphone policy started. 

“Teachers are seeing a big change in students in classrooms. They are focusing more’’ said Ms. Downs. 

She understands that not everyone agrees with the rule, but she believes it is in fact helping them for the better. 

”Obviously there’s some disagreements among the students, they think it’s unfair,” said Ms. Downs. “But phones are proven to be bad for students and their mental health specifically on social media. (The cell phone ban) shows how much we care about them.” 

In the past, students were allowed to stay in touch with family, check schedules, and complete class work through the use of the phone.  They could use their phone during math class as a calculator. But with the new policy, students have to keep their phones locked away not only during class but also during lunch periods. 

¨There’s actually many pros to having a phone around the school,” said Irvin.  “There’s always teachers giving us QR codes which could be important. We could also use our phones to take a picture of the upcoming big events that’s happening inside the school, which could only be helpful when having a phone because what if the events are listed on a board. There’s no other way to remind ourselves, only if we had our phones.”

The cell phone ban was put into effect not just for student mental health, but also to ensure that they are more present in school and with their peers.  

“I’m not anti-cell phone I think its a helpful technology,” said school counselor Mr. Franklin. “I like my phone. I use it for social plans, but in the past years I noticed I have a relationship with my phone that attracts me away from my life”

Mr. Franklin believes one of the biggest benefits of the policy is protecting students’ mental health and helping them focus in class. He admits one drawback is that it limits communication with parents during the course of the day, but adds that the benefits outweigh the negatives. 

¨I don’t think it’s really a con since in the past there weren’t any cell phones in schools anyway. Phones weren’t a big thing (in the past) and parents were still able to get in touch with their students (through the main office) when they needed them,¨ said Mr. Franklin.

But there is no doubt that the new cell phone policy, despite the potential benefits, still feels unfamiliar to students.

“The first day of the cellphone phone policy made me feel strange and anxious,” said Yareisi Compres (Class of 2027).  “I felt that way because it was junior year and I didn’t feel comfortable without my phone. It may sound like I’m addicted but its just about comfort.”

Despite the unfamiliar feelings, Yareisi is trying to adapt.

“I think I can get used to it and not look for my phone 24/7, but in some scenarios I do wish I had my phone on me,” said Yareisi. 

Glenn Acosta (Class of 2026) said he was shocked when the rule took effect. 

“I have heard they were going to do this to every school in New York but having to actually be taken from us was a shocker,” said Glenn. “I personally didn’t like the way we got our phones taken away because of the necessities that a student also has inside of school. “ 

Glenn thinks that responsible students shouldn’t be punished for others’ distractions and perhaps in the future could earn the right to use their phones. 

“ Everyone likes to use their phone including me, but as for me I can control using my phone and doing work” said Glenn. “I’ve seen others straight up use their phone and not do any work, but why should we also be punished for that?”

Even though Glenn admits that phones can cause distractions, he says the policy has made him realize how much students rely on them. 

“Most of the time in my high school years was spent having my phone with me at all times. But having this change makes me realize how much change (not having the phone) has affected me and students overall.”

Even though students can’t do much about the new policy, their reactions show how deeply it’s affected their routines and comfort at school.

Whether they like it or not, the rest of the school year will still be filled with students walking the halls with phones locked away, pouches in their bags, and opinions divided on different sides.

“I understand, in class they can be locked in the pouches but having our phones also locked in lunch is too crazy for me because it’s so unnecessary.” said Irvin Rosas.

Irvin sees that perhaps there could be an opportunity in the future for phones to come back to the school day.

“When we don’t even have a class, so we are usually not interrupting anyone from their education. They can balance that out so we can use our phones during lunch to have a mental break from school work,” said Irvin.