Schools all around the country have been restricting cell phone use in a new effort to promote conversation and social interaction among students and faculty. Hackley has implemented a new cell phone rule causing commotion and controversy among the students and teachers this school year. “Phones are not allowed in classes, during advisory and grade meetings, the dining hall, or hallways,” said Andy King, Director of Upper School.

History teacher Noah Knopf is extremely supportive of the new rule and thinks it can bring together our community.
“I think it can help make our school a better and more connected place,” he said.

When students are using their phones during free time or in class, they are sucked into the activities on their phones and are disconnected from their peers and surroundings.

“When students are wearing headphones or are on their phone it’s hard for me to say hello to them, or ask them how their day is going,” said Mr. Knopf. He added that last year it was hard for him to have small conversations with students. Now that they are more aware and open to talking, it is easier for him to engage with students throughout the day.

Initially, students were opposed to the rule and thought it was inconvenient that they didn’t have access to messaging and phone calls. However, many have slowly realized the benefit not going on your phone can provide for your social and overall life.

Junior Zion Bennett has found that this rule allowed her to expand her social horizons. “As much as the cell phone rule is annoying, I think it’s necessary because we are starting to socialize more than last year when we were on our phones.”

Zion said that hearing about this rule frustrated her at first however, she has noticed that not using her phone has allowed her to have conversations that she wouldn’t normally have.

Junior Rodrigo Severin has similar feelings. “I did not like the rule at first but, after the first couple of days my friends and I were talking and socializing way more,” he said.

He has also found that it has made him more productive throughout the day, “I get more school work done because my phone is already away in my bag, so I’m not tempted to always use it.”

Change often creates frustration, yet in this case, students are slowly beginning to realize the benefit of the new rule.

On the other hand, freshman Vivian Beaton thinks differently: “I am not a fan of the new phone rule. Going into high school I thought that I would have more phone privileges, however, that is not the case.”

The transition between middle and upper school used to come with the privilege of using your phone. Vivian explains that she came in with that expectation, when this was not the case she was very frustrated.

The introduction of the cell phone rule marks a significant step towards a more productive and social environment. While it may initially face resistance, the benefits will end up positively helping the Hackley community.