Your phones are officially banned in school. A new law banning phones in schools will be implemented through-out Oregon this year. Districts are required to restrict students’ phone use during school starting Oct. 31.

However, there is not much difference in LHS since the LOSD district had already had the policy ahead.

“I think it benefits students,” said Sally Farrell, assistant principal. “We’re seeing more students at lunchtime engaging in conversation with peers and games.

Phones are prohibited during school hours due to the governor’s executive order, and the policy will be strictly enforced compared to last year.

“[The policy] overall is going to have a positive impact on [students’] experience of school and their mental health,” said Farrell.

But if students refuse to follow the rules, and teachers allow it to happen, then teachers may lose their license.

“It could be considered neglect of duty or even insubordination,” said Keith Grosse, chemistry teacher. Teachers have a similar perspective to our assistant principal.

“If students are always trying to sneak around on their phones,” said John Sperry, computer science teacher. “It’s going to be a distraction and ultimately rob them of their own [self-managing].”

Schools want to ensure students’ mental well-being by having them away from phones to prevent potential harm from the internet.

“I think phones are detrimental, not because of the phones themselves,” said Frank Obiesie, social studies teacher. “But because of what kids do with them.”

However, some students have different opinions on the phone policy.

“If there’s stress over keeping [phones] away, especially when the teachers are really pushing it, it stresses out kids and the teachers,” said junior Emerson Bennett.“I think there’s going to be a lot more stress for both teacher and students that way.”