
Maize’s district-wide new phone policy is sparking discussion within the student body. An overwhelming number of students think this policy should not have been put into place due to issues regarding personal choices, ability to contact parents, and overall safety and fairness.
The policy was originally discussed at a school board meeting Dec. 9, 2024 and officially put into place on the first day of semester two. This policy states that cell phones are not permitted in class at all. When the bell rings for the beginning of class, the phone must be put away, and when the bell rings at the end of class, it can be collected/used again.
“I think if it’s a consistent distraction and you have had many warnings, yes it should be taken. Otherwise I don’t think it’s fair for everyone to be punished for just a handful of people’s actions,” Sophomore Sophia Gillispie said when asked if it was fair for the school to take students’ phones regardless of the situation.
School safety is a priority of the entire Maize district. The question of whether or not phones negatively contribute to school safety has been a part of building the recent phone policy. Some students have the opposing view that cell phones actually positively impact school safety.
“…I think that if anything, phones contribute positively to school safety. Having my phone available makes me feel comfortable, safer and allows me to keep in contact with my parents if something were to happen or I don’t feel well,” Senior Alexander Prebble said.
Before the phone policy, teachers had the freedom to decide the phone rules and guidelines in their classroom. For the teachers, that allowed students to use their phones after finishing their work, and it gave students a kind of reward and freedom. Maize High Senior Charlotte Kerbs believes things should have been kept that way.
“If you are a good hardworking student that gets your work done there is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t be rewarded for your hard work with a little bit of free time,” Kerbs said.“Also, if students choose to be on their phone during work time or instruction, then that is their choice and they will face the consequences. Therefore banning phones for everyone is simply unfair and should not happen.”