The new, strict phone policies at Pitman became official a few weeks ago. According to teachers, if you have your phone out during school hours, you will get it confiscated and your parents will have to pick it up. School hours technically start when A Period starts so be sure to tuck that phone away right when you arrive.

From what is seen and heard around school, there is a lot controversy with the new cell phone policy with of course, the students and even some of the teachers.

Most of the teachers at Pitman High School are in favor of the stricter cell phone policy because it allows students to focus on learning and doing their work rather than playing games or checking social media.

“I am a parent and I know I would not be happy having to take time out of my day to go pick up my child’s phone. With this generation it seems like phones are an addiction and you kids literally have withdrawal issues when you do not have your phone in your hands. I think this new policy will take you kids away from the cell phones and allow you to actually learn which is what you are supposed to be doing at school,” said a Pitman High School teacher as she was interviewed.

Many students are unhappy with the changes and restrictions the school is putting on cell phone use. Ricardo Brenes has a lot to say when interviewed about this topic,

“I think the new policies are ridiculous. I understand if a student is not paying attention because they’re on their phone why the teacher would take it away. But to go as far as numbering cubbies and “checking” our phones as if you were to check a coat is a little much, and yes one of my teachers does this. Also the fact the my parent has to pick it up is kind of annoying. It makes sense overall, but I feel like they should ease up a little.”

It does make complete sense to confiscate a student’s phone if it is distracting them because you are at school to learn, not to play games or go on social media. But it also makes sense that people believe sending it to the Dean and making the parents pick it up is a little much.

All in all, Pitman’s policies are far from perfect but they will do what is best for the students and all we can do is follow and respect them.