Connect with us

Iowa

After the cell phone ban, Ottumwa students are talking more during lunch

Published

on

Ottumwa, Iowa – Ottumwa High School students are socializing throughout lunch rather than checking their phones.

Ottumwa’s school system instituted a new cellphone policy when pupils returned to class. All students’ lockers are the only places in the school where phones are permitted. In central Iowa, this is one of the harshest policies. Des Moines, Ankeny, and Hoover High School are among the school districts that have cell phone regulations in place. Approximately six other districts are also thinking about limiting cell phone use in the classroom.

We discovered that even if children were seated at a table with their pals, they were also messaging other individuals, which means you weren’t actually present. Superintendent Mike McGrory explained, “And then you worry about if you don’t get a text back right away from your other friends.”

Before August, a committee including students contemplated outlawing cell phones. They decided to outlaw telephones due of issues with mental health, education, and bullying. In 2023, a Pew Research Center research found that 46% of teenagers surveyed said they used the internet “almost constantly.” For context, according to a Pew survey from 2015, 24% of students said they were online “almost constantly.” Teenage girls are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of social media, according to research.

According to McGrory, most students are accepting of the new regulations thus far.

Ottumwa High School student Dawna Rupe said, “That was kind of like my anchor, but it has helped me find new ways to cope.” She can now write and read.

Senior Madison Shoop of Gateway High School, an alternative studies school in Ottumwa, stated that she is more focused this year than she was last.

“If you could use that word, I believe my interest has kind of surged. I was concentrating more on my phone, and I was wondering, “Oh my god, is that going to explode?” stated Shoop.

Students at Gateway store their phones in a lockable, transparent cabinet. According to Shoop, the wristband’s key is attached to them. According to her, the bracelet reduces anxiety.

Principal Aaron Ruff of Gateway remarked, “We have a lot of kids with anxiety because we’re an alternative school.” “I believe that message—that this is for my health—is starting to get through a little bit.”

Students claim that the restriction on cell phones has altered their behavior at home.

Actually, I’ve been spending time with my family. Typically, I’m just by myself in my room, confessed Gateway freshman Paizlee Thomason.

Teachers and staff are finding new ways to interact while simultaneously adhering to the cellphone prohibition. For instance, employees now communicate with one another using radios. Furthermore, parents must contact the school in order to get in touch with their kids.

Teachers and staff report that after just one week of classes, they have already noticed an unexpected difference.

Sometimes you have to shake that mentality. McGrory remarked, “You know, you don’t have that 24/7 access.” It’s still an ongoing project. Indeed, I have examined flip phones.

McGrory stated that they will be keeping an eye on academics to see if the prohibition is having an effect. But they’ve already observed that the cafeteria has changed.

McGrory stated, “What we discovered is that kids could be seated at a table with their friends, but they would also be texting other people, and you aren’t really, truly there.” “And you start to worry if your other friends don’t text you back right away.”

Shoop added that she is putting in more time with her family and finishing her work sooner. But she acknowledged that it was difficult to kick the habit.

Simply put, I believe that I became so dependent on it that I found it difficult to look away, feeling as though I would never stop scrolling. My mom acknowledged that there were moments when she was talking to me and I was not listening because I was using my headphones, browsing through my phone, and not paying attention.

Currently, other districts are being advised to store cell phones away by the Ottumwa School District.

“Achieve it. Execute it. It’s not as horrible as you believe, Ruff reassured. “I believe parents are aware of the negative effects cell phones have on their children. At home, they are observing it. I believe this is being done by the parents.

 

 

Advertisement

Trending