A new cellphone ban at Potomac Falls High School in Sterling, Virginia, has been met with frustration from students, parents, and teachers. The policy, which prohibits students from accessing personal devices during class, was implemented in response to a state law aimed at reducing distractions and increasing engagement during instructional time.

Background of the Ban

The law, passed in January, requires local school districts to develop policies to keep students away from their phones at school. At Potomac Falls, officials developed a policy allowing phone access in hallways and at lunch, but forcing students to drop their devices in holders during class time. However, this policy changed this year, and students can no longer use their phones from bell to bell.

Experts say the cellphone ban helps stop disruptive behavior and creates more instructional time in class. However, teachers have reported difficulties in implementing the policy, particularly in classes where students need devices for research or other in-class work.

Challenges with the Ban

Students and teachers have expressed frustration with the new policy, citing difficulties in accessing information and completing assignments. Some have reported that the policy has led to decreased productivity and increased waiting time for equipment.

Mariam Thomas, a ninth-grade English teacher, said enforcing the new policy in the classroom is a little frustrating. She has noticed that students’ grades have gone down since the policy was implemented.

Ruth España Ramirez, a sophomore, said the policy looks like it’s not very thought-through. She believes that the policy has made it easier for students to access their phones, not harder.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.