Fleetwood Enforces “No Cell Phone Policy”

Fleetwood Area High School introduced a new cellphone policy this year: students are not allowed to use their phones during school hours, except at lunch. The rule has caused strong reactions from both students and teachers.

Before this year, students could use phones in the hallway, at lunch, and sometimes even in class with permission. Now, the school says students were too distracted and not paying attention in class.

“The new cell phone policy allows students to be more focused during school hours with better academic performance,” former Assistant Principal Jennifer Neiman said.

She also said the old policy was too flexible and caused issues with focus.

“The main reason behind the new cellphone policy is data and scientific studies, which support this decision,” English teacher Mr. Zachary Houp said. He said phones pull students’ attention and hurt learning, even if they’re not be actively used but merely indicating notifications.

Some students don’t agree with the rule.

“I understand they want us to focus, but what if there’s an emergency? I should be able to have my phone just in case,” sophomore Mia Johnson said.

“People still sneak their phones in class anyway. They just hide them,” senior Alex Rivera said.

Some students suggested putting phones in the office or locked pouches like other schools do, but Fleetwood hasn’t made any changes like that yet. The school may review the policy later this year.