Students and staff have different opinions when it comes to the new phone rule this year at Prairie high school. This has been a conflict between these two sides for awhile. Both have been in disagreement about it and many want to be heard.
The students mainly want to be heard that they know how to schedule their duties. Students feel that their phones are their personal space and belongings and there is compromise that could happen instead of demands. Of course not all students have the best intentions but those that do, want their voice to be heard as well. Conversing with Zoey Stanfford she states,” It makes me feel smaller like I can’t be an adult and be responsible. I don’t feel like it’s a way of making me independant.” Kids come to high school to learn how to be grown-ups and prepare for the future yet this rule makes others feel as if they are being disciplined as little children. Trust goes both ways so it’s not just a one sided problem.
Teachers also have their side to the argument. They have to constantly remind students to not be distracting or to pay attention to important things that require full attention. Speaking with Mrs.Kendrick about how the phone rule makes her feel she responds, “ I like that it’s there but it’s hard to enforce and also frustrating because it gives me one more thing to do/ pay attention to on top of all the other things. I wish parents would take more responsibility for managing their kids’ phones.” Teachers just want students to succeed and if they have healthy habits and decent grades to show they can manage it would be a different story. Teachers also want parents more involved if their kid is always distracted on their phones in class.
If teachers, students, and parents had a plan or compromise all together this might be a lot less of an issue. This way when students are done with work or need a break they get to do that. However if the teacher says it’s time to listen and students don’t pay attention consequences should be put in place and more action with parents instead. It’s all about balance and if both comply school could be a little easier for everyone. A message for all that both sides do matter.
The one thing they both have in common is they both complain about the phone rule. School is required, to settle one more problem for both can be a big help. We have this separation of teachers and students but really we are all just human.
