Phone Free Learning: Students adapting to new laws in Indiana

INDIANA — Class is back in session and Hoosier students statewide are getting back in the swing of things without this glued to their hand.

It's time to get to first period, but first, students have to put their phone away in their locker. St. Joseph High School sophomore, Roman Valdez, says the no phone policy isn't new, but it's been heavily enforced so far this school year.

"Now, they're super strict on that, so we just have to put them in our lockers," said Valdez.

The new 'bell to bell' restriction prohibits students from using cell phones during the school day, including in the hallway.

"I've seen that be an issue for some other people, just because they're used to having their phones on them. For me, I've always had my phone in my locker, even when I was in middle school. So, this hasn't been a big thing for me."

It's safe to say that technology is rooted in our daily lives; it helps with education.

So, with no phones, what are the kids using?

"A lot of the teachers are trying to get us away from using our laptops as often and trying to have us collaborate more with the students, and like talk to them and socialize, which I think is huge, especially now," explained Valdez.

Social skills. Verbal communication. That's what they're using.

Marian High School sophomore Ilah Kirzeder has a similar routine to Roman.

"Every student's cell phone is supposed to be turned off, silent in their locker the whole day, and you can only have it before 8 o'clock and after 3 o'clock," shared Kirzeder.

Rules are rules but some kids aren't too happy.

"They were all kind of really mad about it. They wanted to have them out, and they thought it was unfair."

Ilah says some students think it's unfair. However, for some students, it's about safety.

School shootings have happened all over the country and severe weather has impacted us right here in Michiana. Just last week on Marian High's first day of school, a tornado warning forced the school to take safety measures.

"I have heard, when we were in the last lockdown, people saying that they wish they had their phone at that time because they wanted to call someone and let them know what's happening," explained Kirzeder.

Technology isn't completely thrown away.

"The teachers have smartboards that they'll write on, and we will sometimes use chrome books, but not very often. Maybe once a week to take a standardized test or to fill out a survey or to check google classroom."

Roman and Ilah both expressed their trust in the school to keep them safe and both think time away from phones will benefit everyone.

"It has had a huge impact just in general of people retaining what they learn and not being distracted," said Kirzeder.

The law went into effect July first. As much as we rely on our phone for communication, organization and learning, students say they'll be just fine.

Below are the focus points and the policy regarding cell phone use at ST. Joseph High School:

A few point about our approach:

Saint Joe believes in purposeful digital integration, meaning we seek to use technology to enhance and elevate learning. We lean into traditional instruction and student collaboration and most often utilize instruction that does not involve technology.

Last school year, a team of teachers, administrators, and parents studied the impact of cell phones on learning and teen development. This included a review of published research and student, parent, and faculty surveying.

This resulted in our policy of phones in lockers all day being reissued with some new procedures and points of emphasis.

Students, families, and parents have been generally compliant with our policy (below)

Surveys of faculty in the spring showed a noticeable improvement in both student focus/attention in the classroom and student engagement with peers.

Saint Joe, of course, wants to support a strong learning environment, but we also seek to help students develop in virtue and in building healthy habits

Here is our policy: Cell Phones/Smart Watches/Personal Electronic Devices

In order to maximize student engagement in learning, promote student well-being, and prioritize community building, all personal electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc.) other than a student’s school-issued laptop are not to be in a student’s possession, taken to class, or used within the building between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Devices are to be turned off and left in lockers or locked cars during this time.

Earbuds, headphones, air-pods, etc. may be carried, but are not to be worn or used between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. without explicit permission from a teacher or staff member. These devices cannot be worn in the hallway and common areas.

Students who must carry their phone or smart watch for medical purposes (e.g. diabetes), will receive authorization from the school nurse.

If a student is in violation of this policy, the student’s cell phone / device, whether it is being used or not, may be confiscated by any staff member and turned over to administration. Consequences will be issued. Failure to turn over an electronic device when asked is considered insubordination and will result in additional consequences.