At the turn of the 2026 year California has big plans involving phones in school. The intentions
seem to be good with student health and academic performance at the center, but some educators,
parents and student raise doubts on whether this regulation is needed.

On the supporting side, California has seen a huge increase in cell phone usage just during class
alone. With some students using it “at least once, for a median of 43 minutes, and over six hours
on the higher end” according to Common Sense. Many Educators highlight that this regulation
will allow student to participate and engage in class more often and therefore increase their
academic performance.

Alternatively, such an idea is almost prehistoric to the opposition, using the era of technological
dominance in society, as reasoning to reject the policy. If the world uses technology more than
ever perhaps this is the new norm? Students may use their phones for unproductive purposes but
not all of them do, some use it for research, school work and for their own personal security.
Some even need their phones to assist with physical disabilities, which helps to assist them to
function in society. Especially in light of the string of school shootings(omit if needed)and the
dangers student may face in school, some parents want to insure they have the ability to
constantly monitor and stay in touch with their children throughout the day.

As for the actual implementation of such a policy will prove difficult. Where will the phones go?
How do the schools insure the phones are safe, both from being used and being stolen or lost? In
the event of emergencies, how can they insure students have their phones? Without a clear cut
plan, and a previously set test on a statewide scale, this policy may prove to be extremely
troublesome.

The difficulties of intergrating students into a technology filled world without letting it
compromise their education in comparison to the education levels and standards of previous
generations is a slippery slope. It must not end with the new regulations, these talks of
technology in school must continue to ensure that schools end up with the best possible method
of controlling technology in school, while compromising with the proposed concerns of the
opposing side.