WEST LEBANON, N.H. — As students at Lebanon High School settle into their daily routines, a newfound quiet has emerged in the hallways and cafeteria, driven by a statewide ban on cellphones during school hours. The ban, which took effect this academic year, has forced students to rethink their relationship with technology, shifting the focus from screens to face-to-face interaction and academic engagement.
Seventeen-year-old Nehemiah Billings, who typically would have pulled out his phone during lunch, now dedicates that time to schoolwork, such as drafting an introductory letter for his Shakespeare class. “This is forcing me to do work,” he said. “I used to get sucked into my phone during free moments.” Although he appreciates the distraction-free environment, he acknowledges the transition hasn’t been seamless, as the absence of instant communication can be challenging.
The phone ban is part of a broader shift in school policy across New Hampshire, where many schools have adopted similar measures. This movement towards restricted cellphone use is being echoed by Vermont, though the latter will not fully implement its ban until the 2026-27 school year. Parents and educators are hoping these policies will enhance focus and reduce distractions that have become all too common in today’s classrooms.
Historically, Upper Valley schools have struggled with the pervasive influence of mobile devices. Many middle schools have already implemented guidelines that require students to keep their phones out of sight, but high schools present a unique challenge as students navigate the transition to adulthood. The questions of independence versus responsibility weigh heavily on the community as parents and educators seek a balance.
At Thetford Academy, the approach has involved students sealing their devices in locked pouches designed by a company called Yondr. Principal Carrie Brennan noted that community advocacy played a crucial role in establishing this policy, which was prompted by a call for change from parents and students alike. The move has been met with positive feedback, with surveys indicating improved school culture and learning environments.
Yet, reactions among students are varied. Some express frustration over not being able to document their memories through photos. Seventeen-year-old Twyla Weinstein has adapted by carrying a digital camera instead. Others, like Natalie Perry, point out the inconvenience of coordinating with family without immediate access to a phone. However, many students have embraced the policy as an opportunity to connect more deeply with their peers.
Among seniors, opinions are mixed. Some welcome the reduction in distractions, noting that it has positively impacted their homework productivity, while others feel that the ban treats them as children despite their responsibilities outside of school. Layliana Benjamin, a senior who works part-time and is applying to colleges, feels conflicted about the restrictions on her communication.
The overarching goal of cellphone bans in schools is to foster an environment conducive to learning. Aaron Cinquemani, principal of Woodstock Union Middle and High School, emphasized that the decision to implement the Yondr pouches was a community-driven initiative aimed at improving academic outcomes. He noted that the majority of students desire a distraction-free environment.
While the ban raises concerns about emergency communications, educators maintain that students retain the ability to connect with family through school channels. As communities navigate these changes, the focus remains on creating an atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.
Both parents and students will continue to grapple with the implications of this policy change. Many believe its benefits, including reduced distractions and improved social interactions, outweigh the inconveniences it may present. As teenagers adjust to this new norm, teachers and parents alike hope these measures will cultivate a more engaged and present student body.
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