Phones have been banned from bell-to-bell at Notre Dame de Sion High School, according to Principal Ellen Carmody.
After Missouri passed Senate Bill 68 in July, Sion also decided to implement a no-phone policy.
“As a private school, we don’t always have to do everything that is state law,” Carmody said. “But the majority of states are doing it. It’s really in the best interest for kids.”
After implementing the new phone policy, students have had differing reactions and opinions.
“I think it’s fine for seniors because we can check out,” senior Peyton Preuss said. “But it’s a little different, I mean, it’s weird just one year not having my phone, and then the rest of my years here I’ve had my phone.”
Freshmen’s opinions have differed from those of seniors. Freshman Camila Hernandez wished she could have her phone in case of an emergency.
“I don’t think it’s that bad, but I don’t think it’s good because there have been a lot of shootings recently, like the shooting at the Catholic school,” Hernandez said. “So what would happen if something like that happened?”
Carmody said that in an emergency, she doesn’t want competing realities in a panic situation.
“In the case of an emergency, I don’t want you sitting there texting your mom. I need you paying attention, because that’s going to take care of you right in that moment,” Carmody said. “So we have to think short-term and long-term.”
St. Teresa’s Academy chose a different route for their policy. Haley Steffens, a freshman at STA, said she would feel more secure if she had her phone.
“Most classes, you have to keep it in your backpack, or you turn it in. You have access to them during free period, lunch, and activity period,” Steffens said. “I would feel worried if something bad happened and I would not have been told immediately.”
However, not having their phones during school hours has helped students connect with others and be their true selves, according to Director of Humann Scholars Program Solange Gonzalez.
“I agree, I think it is a good thing because in the past years, we have seen it has been hard for students to focus,” Gonzalez said. “It helps them to be themselves. I have faith it is a good thing.”
