On July 1st, 2025 a statewide ban on cell phones during instructional time, unless for educational purposes, went into effect. This law leaves room for the Boards of Education to create policies that both determine and describe the nonuse in schools. Knox County’s Board of Education implemented the ban during lunch and class change, not just instructional time.
The law will be used to help kids socialize and reduce distractions during class to focus on priorities like class work. Steve Morrell, the digital arts teacher at Karns, says it’s important for students to be sociable and teachers to enforce the rule.
“I would say [using phones] during lunch is okay, before school, and after school but… I think even with lunch
people should be encouraged to be sociable and make friends… It’s an easy way to hide and retreat from the world and that’s not healthy… I don’t necessarily see any problems with the policy now.”
“I think if someone is warned, and they still do it then yes it needs to go to the office,” Morrell said.
The cell phone policy has more students engaged in work, working on attention spans, and talking to others in places like lunch, and even during class time. The policy creates a space for people to get away from constant scrolling, including other teachers, and use their minds for creativity.
“I don’t like it but it helps me focus,” Juhlien Smith said.
Although some people don’t view the policy as all good, when students utilize it they notice benefits. Instead of focusing on all the distractions on your phone, the policy gives you time to be present in the moment. Most students recognize the impact the phone policy has on them despite thinking of it as good or bad.
“I think it is necessary in class, but not outside of the classroom…the consequences are extreme,” Ashley Dodge said.
Dodge does not agree with the disciplinary measure that comes after you are on your phone in class. This consists of bringing your phone to the office and picking it up at the end of the day. After three times of breaking the rule, your guardian will have to come and get your phone from school.
The ban on cell phones in schools is affecting teachers and students in plenty of different ways, increasing focus but potentially creating anxiety amongst those who rely on their phone for constant stimulation.
