Newest Policy: Beneficial vs. Detrimental

The Blacksburg High School phone policy; beneficial or detrimental? The talk of the town is the new phone policy haunting the halls. Students are used to a more relaxed phone policy, where during a moment of rest they can scroll on their phone for a few minutes unbothered. However, all of that has changed in the ‘24- ‘25 school year.

Per Virginia Policy under Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 33, phones are not to be permitted during the school day. This includes in the hallways, classrooms, and even during lunchtime. Not only is this a massive change from previous years, but the punishment has also largely changed. The first violation results in the confiscation of the phone for the day, and a phone call to the student’s parents. The second also causes confiscation of the phone to the office, but can only be picked up by the student’s parents. Finally, the third violation will result in permanent confiscation of the phone to ISS (In School Suspension). Needless to say, students are riled up by the punishment of phone usage after years of little restriction on the devices. 

^ The Mobile Motel: One Stop Lock Box for Confiscated Phones. ^

Many students are angry with the new rules, and have been punished for going against them. One student, Joe Sapienza, had late arrival privileges and walked into the school at 9:25 AM. He had his phone confiscated at 9:26 AM before the chance to even have the rules addressed to him. He stated, “I think I would’ve appreciated some leniency because it was the first day."

The phone policy, compared to past years, is very strict, as students can’t even use their phones during the supposed “down time” offered in between classes. Needless to say, students are unhappy with the new rules.

Many teachers in response are trying to limit their cell phone usage in solidarity with students. The school librarian, Mrs. Christle, is putting her phone in a “phone spa” during the school day with the rest of her students. “I am also putting my phone up during the instructional day and have noticed I’m much less distracted." While she’s not opposed to the phone policy, she does understand it is hard for students, which prompted her show of camaraderie.

However, some teachers and administrators highly support the phone policy because they believe it offers a classroom that is distraction-free. “The cell phone policy is absolutely eliminating distractions. Also, I do think it is bringing back the lost art of conversation. As a language teacher, I am a fan,” Mrs. LaForce said about the cell phone policy.

^ Hallway Reminders. ^

The new phone policy has yet to give when it comes to leniency, with strict punishments that catch both students and teachers off guard. The enforcement of the rules is harsher than expected, especially to seniors who will be legal adults before the end of the school year. Opinions on the phone policy are polarized, leaving the question on 'right course of action' unanswered. With that in mind, students, parents, and teachers all have questions about whether the policy will ever be lightened, or if this is the new reality for our Bruins. All in all, change is occurring at Blacksburg High School regarding mobile devices, and only time will tell whether it's for the better, or worse. 

---

Written by Molly Nelson

Photography by Sydney Snyder