As you walk into any classroom this school year, everyone has the same first dreadful step that is enforced; putting your phone up on the miserable pouches. As everyone continues to voice their opinions on the matter, it simply isn’t going to get much better.

“The ban is aimed at redirecting students’ attention toward physical, in-person social interactions, rather than digital socialization.” stated LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Calvalho, as he spoke on the new ban being implemented that is even more restrictive than the first one.

It is clearly obvious that many schools, especially MACES, do not agree with this as can be seen in a poll conducted on the new @maces.wolfpacktimes account. There were 11 votes for “It sounds like a great idea”, 6 votes for “I don’t really care”, 5 votes for “I’m not sure what you’re talking about”, and the biggest portion with 130 votes for “It sounds like a bad idea”.”

In an age where technology is now a necessity, not a privilege, LAUSD is taking away our opportunity to learn self-control. As students we understand that not being able to use our phones in class is common sense, but taking away our phone during OUR free time is unbelievable. LAUSD is now enforcing regulations inside the classroom but during school hours when coming into schools we were promised we would have access to our phones before school, during lunch, and after school. 

Additionally, the use of phones not only enhances the school experience, but also allows for students to connect with each other in school just as much as if it was outside of school. There have been multiple times in class where students have technical difficulties with school provided technology, in which phones have been able to ‘save the day’ and allow students to continue with their lesson. To add on, students use phones to connect with each other, whether it is obtaining information from each other to communicate outside of school, or simply sharing interests with each other and overall boosting the morale of the students as a whole.

With LAUSD pushing stricter bans on phone use, it also pushes students to take matters into their own hands. If we as students choose to ignore each and every ban being implemented, eventually there’ll never be a chance to even reverse. With pressure building, will you choose to take matters into your own hands and be part of the solution?