Without the crutch of phones to dissipate awkward silence, Bearden students have leaned into the opportunity to converse with their peers.
With the temptation completely removed, senior Natalie Radabaugh believes the ban has made staying off of her phone much easier than years prior.
“Now that I don’t have the expectation that I could text somebody, it’s a lot easier not to,” she said.
For freshman Hadley Stinnette, the phone-free environment hasn’t been an obstacle to overcome, as the policy mirrors that of middle school expectations.
“I think the juniors and seniors especially have felt the effects of the policy more than [the freshmen],” she said. “Since we couldn’t use them in middle school, we are used to it.”
Radabaugh has observed that phone-free classrooms have inspired many students to use the opportunity to talk with their classmates. In some cases, the policy has even sparked unexpected friendship.
“I have talked to more people that I may have not had conversations with if I had my phone,” she said. “I even talk to close friends more than I used to.”
Bearden social studies teacher Mr. Chris Taylor has observed a similar sight in his classrooms.
“Students used to just sit and look at their phones if they had any free time,” he said. “Now, a lot of people talk to the people around them.”
For freshmen, high school means meeting students who may have gone to a different middle school. Stinnette appreciates that phones have not obstructed her ability to meet new people.
“There are so many new people in high school, and I have definitely talked to more people since I didn’t have my phone to look at,” she said.
The new regulation, in fact, has reaped positive benefits outside the classroom.
“Especially at lunch, a lot more people have been talking to each other instead of looking at their phones,” Radabaugh said.
Some students have seen circumstantial benefits outside of more frequent interactions with their peers. Improved productivity has been a positive change seen in many Bearden students.
“Instead of spending [45] on my phone, I have noticed I get a lot more work done,” Radabaugh said.
Added Mr. Taylor: “Even though my students are usually on top of turning in their work, they have been doing even better without their phones.”
Stinnette appreciates the added focus due to a rigorous course schedule.
“I have a lot of hard classes this semester, so if I had [my phone] I would be a lot more distracted,” she said.
Looking ahead, the no phone policy may promote better social skills among Bearden students, particularly freshmen.
“I think it will be really good for [the freshmen] to have the skills to talk to people casually,” Radabaugh said, “rather than using any dull moment to go on their phones.”