Starting on Jan. 27, Lewiston High School (LHS) began an acclimation period for its new phone-free policy, which officially took effect on Feb. 3. The policy comes after Idaho’s statewide Phone Free Learning Act, which Brad Little sent out on Oct. 31. 2024. The act is prompting schools across Idaho to limit the use of phones and other personal electronic devices during class hours, citing issues with distractions and impacts on student well-being and academics.
Under the new LHS rules, students must keep all devices—cell phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and earbuds—turned off and out of sight during class. The devices can only be accessed during passing, lunch, or in the case of an emergency, according to Arlint’s letter to parents. Emergencies only include when students must call their parents through the attendance office. Students will also be prohibited from using phones in restrooms, the library, and hallways during bell-to-bell time, according to the email made public by Arlint.
The new policy has procedures for violating it. When you violate it the first time, a teacher will confiscate your phone and return it to you after class. The second time, it gets sent to the attendance office, and students may pick it up at the close of the school day. If there are many problems, parents or guardians must meet with the principal to discuss a plan to follow the rules based on the policy FAQs in the email.
A few of them comprehend the reason behind the policy, but some are becoming frustrated.
Sophomore Nina Cuthbert stated that the policy might assist students in learning to manage their time, especially since, in some classes, phone use was previously allowed after finishing assignments.
“In my favorite class, you could use your phone if you had completed all of your work. This motivated me to get my work done,” she said.
Madeline Curet, another sophomore, furthered that the policy did not significantly impact her grades. However, she said it makes the class “boring” because there is nothing to do after finishing the work.
Some students have complained about smartwatches and fitness trackers. Megan Harris, a 10th grader, questioned why banning devices such as her Fitbit would be helpful, particularly in emergencies.
“I look at my Fitbit, but I am not ‘playing’ with it,” she said.
Yet educators and administrators report that the policy removes distractions and allows people to concentrate on improving academic performance.
School administrators and teachers, such as biology teacher Thomas Leachman and librarian Shannon Van Buren, are backing the shift. They say reducing phone use should require students to pay more attention to classroom work.
“Cell phones are distracting to students,” Leachman stated. “If we limit their use, students will pay more attention and learn better— my belief.”
Van Buren said that while phones are useful, they cause more problems than benefits in the classroom, especially when students have difficulty concentrating.
The new policy will also make employees more aware in classrooms and halls. Assistant Principal Chad Arlint, who spoke about the shift, is one of the people watching the halls.
“We’re making room for children to succeed,” Arlint said, summing up the philosophy behind the policy.
The Phone-Free Learning Act also has other benefits, including a grant of $5,000 for Lewiston School District.
“What do I do if I need to text my mom about after-school plans?” one student asked.
Administrators have reminded students that emergency contact is extremely important and that they can always go to the attendance office to call if necessary.
As the ban on personal electronic devices continues, people are still arguing about whether the policy will help students stay connected and focused. While some believe the initiative is important in minimizing distractions, others consider it limiting individual freedom and convenience.
Currently, students and faculty are adapting to the new regulations, keeping their fingers crossed that the policy will bring an improved and more efficient learning environment at Lewiston High School.
Leachman clarified, “This isn’t about control. It’s about providing students the room to succeed.”
