During time away from classes, students need breaks from school; for many, using phones is the break. Whether it’s scrolling through TikTok or texting friends to find where they are during a common free period, phones are a key part of student’s lives, and taking them away will do more harm than is stated in the phone policy.

A key argument for being a “phone-free” school is that it will lessen anxiety that students feel. Even though certain studies have shown that phones increase anxiety, it is also true that phones can help decrease anxiety. Many people use phones to communicate with their friends after classes so they can meet up to hang out or do homework, but without phones, this is compromised. If students can’t contact their friends during school to meet up, it will end with kids spending more time alone, which can stunt social growth and increase anxiety.

Many people would also contradict the phone policy by saying students don’t talk or hang out with each other when they are on their phones. In reality, most students are either texting with friends, playing games, or watching videos with each other. Phone use allows students to have a social break while still being sociable through texting and social media. In addition, phones make it easier for students to access school material through Google Classroom or view emails from teachers faster, preparing students for class.

Another key part of having phones in school is that they are essential in case of emergencies, especially family emergencies. When students don’t have their phones, parents and guardians can’t reach them, leading to even worse situations for the students and family. School is already a tough time for many students, and phones are a way for students to decompress after a challenging class or day. Adopting a phone-free policy would make school more difficult for students.

Overall, the phone-free policy will create more harm than is addressed by the administration, and the benefits of phone usage in school should be considered in order to create a policy that works for everyone.