Towards the end of the year, there was a policy placed into the terms and conditions of a phone not being seen nor heard. Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders , signed this policy into place on January 29th 2025.Which would be put into account at the beginning of 2025-2026 school year.Her intentions are to bring the staggering mental illness in the youth to a lower percentage, which has been researched that smartphones are the cause for it. The real question we are all asking is,if it truly will improve the mental health of the youth?

With new laws there is always an adjustment period which comes with its own pros and cons. Mrs. Cook states, “Sure, anytime students are more engaged in the class rather than on their phone, or even trying to find how to hide their phone from their teachers they’re going to be ideally learning more.” Out of sight of mind becomes a great tool in gaining the attention of students into learning materials rather than the newest post of their friend’s Instagram. Refocusing their efforts into concepts that will help them through the class or even into their life after high school. Then she details “I have in the past, let students listen to music while they’re writing or working on an independent project. I do that, because playing one type of music is not always good for other students.” She understands from the point of view of the student of the inconvenience the ban can be, but she encourages students to push forward. Many students presumptions of the teachers’ attitudes towards this policy. Many teachers do find the pros but also find the cons of it too.

When faced with the matter of new behaviors in the classroom Coach Ashburn discloses,” Student are more willing to talk to each other, and look each other in the face.” Which leads to better cooperation in class discussions. Coach Ashburn further discusses the motivation driven by the phone absence. Increasing opportunities for social skills necessary for adulthood. Leading up to the current year some educators questioned if phone usage would be made forbidden through law, “I never thought it would be an actual law so that was a big surprise , but I’m pretty optimistic about it.” explain Coach Ashburn.

In the great scheme of things the phone policy can cause a few inconveniences but mostly a great carry out. Classes seem more productive, the material being taught has a bigger chance to be comprehended.