As the new 2019-2020 school year commences, there are many changes being brought into the SPA community. The new incoming students, faculty and staff, the new building renovations, and a new attempt to keep the classroom a cell phone free environment: cell phone pockets. 

The new numbered cell phone pockets can be seen in most of the English and History classrooms, and some of the Math, Language, Sciences, Fine Arts classrooms. The vast majority of all upper school students see the cell phone pockets in an average of 3-4 of their classes. According to the poll sent out by the Rubicon, while most classes with phone pockets require all students to leave their phones in the pockets at the beginning of class and then pick it up at the end, in some classes, the pockets are optional or not used at all. 

So far, the use of pockets seems to err on the side with more pros than cons. In the classes where they’re used, the urge to check or touch cell phones in class has been eliminated. Though it can be hard to get used to the procedure of using the new phone pockets, it will become a habit that helps in the long run. 

An issue that’s being brought up with the new pockets is the inconsistent use from class to class. Because only about half of students’ classes have cell phone pockets, forming the habit and getting used to the cell phone pockets is harder and a more non-organized process. 

While some students may oppose the thought that cell phone pockets have an overall positive effect to the classroom environment, and instead, are a symbol of, “lack of trust toward the students,” students should try to be more open to the change and see the good intentions behind it.

Teachers made the decision of installing cell phone pockets to improve the classroom learning environment and administration supports the trend. Maybe some more time will allow the students who dislike the new cell phone pockets to have a change of heart.

The truth is that with the new cell phone policy, those who might have been preoccupied with their cell phones now have no choice but to fully pay attention in class. While this may be uncomfortable for some, the new habits being formed with inevitably help students focus. Even if some students continue to dislike it, the cell phone pocket usage policies will not be so unusual as we continue to use them in every class. But for the students who enjoy using the new pockets, continuing to use the pockets will benefit them and their class.

To everyone who is using the pockets, don’t forget to pick up the phones after class.

This article was updated for grammar.