The Yondr Years

Teachers definitely differ from students’ opinion on this new policy.

The+Yondr+Years

Over 95% of teens have smartphones. Phones distract students from paying attention in class and getting their work done. This has caused LHS to enforce the restriction of phones.

Coming out with a Yondr Pouch; a bag where the phone can be placed and locks when it is closed. Students are able to carry the bag with them, but there is no way to take their phone out unless it is unlocked by the office. It takes 2 warnings: the first time will be to put their phone away and the second will be being sent to the office. Students will still have their phones with them; it’ll just be placed in a locked Yondr bag that is impossible to unlock.

Teachers and students were interviewed and asked a couple questions about their opinion on the enforcement of phones this year. An LHS student named Yuridia Amezcua said that “the restriction of phones is too extreme” and because she tends to focus by listening to music while doing her work, it is now more difficult for her to focus. She does not think this rule is fair because it is not as big a distraction as teachers think it is. She was asked how she copes with it and answered “I get used to it and just follow the rules to keep my phone away.” However, teachers opinions differ from the students.’

A Spanish teacher, Sra Barros, was interviewed as well and was asked if she agreed with the enforcement of phones. She responded with “I absolutely agree with the rule enforcement about no phones at school. In fact, the rule should be much more drastic.” She added on to her statement, saying “Before every student had access to a Chromebook, I thought it necessary for students to seek information using their cell phones.” The next question was if she thought the new phone rule affected teachers as much as it affects students. She thinks that “This new rule should not affect teachers at all. I personally never look at my phone, though I do use it as a timer.” She commented that “If there was an emergency, the phone call was to the office.” Another question that was asked was if phones were a problem during her high school experience. She responded, saying “Sorry to tell you, we had no cellphones in high school.” She is one of the older teachers here at LHS.

Then Sra. Barros was asked to comment on why phones have become such a big issue with teens. Her opinion  was “I don’t think cell phones have become an issue just with teens.  I see this issue with people in their 70s, texting during mass, during family events, etc. Teens obviously are obsessed because they were born with it, so it is hard for them to know how to socialize without them around.”

Finally, she was asked about her opinion towards the Yondr bags, replying with “Do you mean ‘the yondr years? Obviously, I think things were better then.  At the same time, I think of the enormous possibilities a cell phone gives all of you. I learn quite a bit by having one. It really is the biggest invention our society has come across in a long time.” We can’t deny its benefits, as we cannot deny how harmful it can be especially for students.

Teachers definitely differ from students’ opinion on this new policy.