Cell phones have become one of the most common sights at school. Nearly every student has a cell phone and uses it in and out of class. They have become an integral part of life and education as the world modernizes technologically. Countless lessons require the use of phones for internet searches, online writing tools, translators, or even online textbooks. However, students may agree that many teachers seem to be against the use of cell phones in classrooms. 

   While phones are helpful, informational, and fun, they can be a huge distraction during class and study time. Many students find themselves engulfed in social media instead of the lecture occurring in class at the time. This poses a problem for students and teachers as lessons become less effective. Apart from all debates on whether phones should be allowed and used in classrooms, one question rises to the front of many minds: What, exactly, is the cell phone policy among Hillsborough County schools?

   Simply put, the main rule in high schools of Hillsborough County is that while students are allowed to bring their phones to school, they must be silenced and powered off during instructional time. Teachers can give permission to use phones in class, but only for educational purposes to supplement the lesson. Students may use their phones in between classes and during their lunch breaks. Extracurricular activities monitored by staff held before or after school hold the same rules: no cell phone use unless allowed by the teacher or coach.

   The big idea behind these cell phone policies is that the use of a cell phone is entirely a privilege. Students are lucky to be living in this tech-savvy world and having such impressive technology to enhance their lives and education. County staff do not want students to abuse this privilege so much that it harms the quality of their daily education. Therefore, they have come up with these regulations to keep cell phone use restricted to only when it is necessary and helpful.

   In addition to the implementation of this set of rules for the use of mobile phones, the county has allowed teachers the ability to set up a place in the classroom for students to place their cell phones during instructional time. This tactic would ensure that students are free of distractions during class time and are not cheating on tests either. Many teachers here at Newsome have already put this ability to use, using items such as calculator holders on their doors to make sure that no student is distracted by their phone during class.