At a time where phones have become an essential part of students’ lives, many schools across Florida are trying something new—- banning phones altogether. What was once a tool for communication and learning is now seen as a distraction, which has led to schools enforcing strict policies limiting phone use.

At ILS, many students use their phones to text in between classes. New at ILS this year is a limited ban on students using their phones in the hallways.

“I don’t think that they should be banned everywhere, but I understand why they might be banned in hallways because people aren’t paying attention to where they’re walking,” said junior Joshua Roca.

Journalism teacher Ms.Cristina Ramirez supports restricted use.

“I think it’s a great start, hopefully leading to them being banned altogether. Use has been linked with increased aggressive behavior in male teenagers and social anxiety in female teenagers. I think it is detrimental to students,” she explained

Despite her opinion, most students rely on their phones and do not see them as a negative.

“I think that phones are a good way of communicating and passing time while you are at school and not in a classroom. I don’t think they should be completely banned because they play an important role in the social life of students, even at school,” said junior  Margaret Balzarini.

Should phones be banned during class hours on campus?

Some believe they should be restricted, but not banned considering many students need their phones to talk to others. For example, in case of emergencies, phones would be necessary to call for help.

At the end of the day, each school, each state, and each district will implement their own individual plans setting up a perfect experiment to later learn which one of these methodologies actually improved students’ academic, mental, and physical outcomes.