Efficacy of the New OIHS Phone Policy

The newly implemented cell phone policy has been a prominent topic of conversation at Orcas Island High School. Only a few months old, students and teachers alike are curious as to whether or not this new system has actually changed the behavior of students and their phone usage.

The majority of students believe that the new phone policy has been relatively effective, but has not completely reduced the ever-growing problem of phone use in school. Despite this, some argue that this new policy has been generally unhelpful, and that it has done little to shift students’ phone usage during the school day. While it has likely not been as effective as hoped for every student, it has undeniably had an overall positive effect on students and their relationships with electronics in school. 

This efficacy, despite its subtlety, is reflected by the 76% of students who reported reduced levels of phone usage at school. Many students are in agreement that the reduced number of people constantly staring at their phones–especially during lunchtime and passing periods–has been very beneficial for social connection, and has helped to harbor a more positive learning environment. 

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