To enhance focus and promote genuine interactions in the classroom, Hillsborough High School has introduced a new cell phone policy this school year. Principal Mr. Jeffrey DiLollo announced the change, which has sparked discussions among students, teachers, and parents. “We made it universal,” DiLollo explained when asked about the new policy’s core principles. Unlike in previous years, when the guidelines were set by individual teachers, this year’s policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach for everyone.

All students are required to keep their phones off and away during class, regardless of the subject. “At the start of class, they are put in their designated cell phone pouch that is provided to all teachers,” DiLollo said. Compared to last year, the most significant difference lies in how the new policy is enforced. “This year, we wanted to see the impact of this shift,” DiLollo explained. “Our main focus is on eliminating distractions in the classroom and encouraging more authentic conversations.”

For students who are caught for the first time, the approach is simply to have a chat and issue a warning. However, if the same students keep breaking the rules, the consequences can get tougher, like Saturday detention. “It’s not about punishment,” DiLollo emphasized. “It’s really about helping students grasp why staying focused in class is so important.” When asked what prompted the school to make the change this year, DiLollo said it wasn’t in response to a specific event but rather a growing trend in digital distractions. He said he is following the pattern other schools are placing against phones. “Conflicts can be created through messages and social media, which takes away from students’ learning,” he added.

So far, the reaction from students and teachers has been mostly positive. “Teachers who didn’t initially think the policy would have much impact have been pleasantly surprised,” DiLollo shared. “Many of them are now saying it’s been really positive in their classrooms.” As for the students? “There hasn’t been any pushback,” DiLollo said. The policy in action has affected the student body and their behavior with little to no resistance. “I’ve noticed that students are using their phones less during lunch, and there are more face-to-face conversations happening,” he observed. 

Teachers agree that the new phone policy has had a positive change. “It has a positive effect. It reduces stress and opportunity for people to meet up, whether it’s a fight or hang out. It’s just better focus,” David King, a math teacher, said. 

Although teachers and administrators may view this policy to be positive, some students have mixed opinions about it. “I personally am not a fan of the phone policy because I think there are times where we should have it on our person in case of emergencies. If there is an emergency or anything related to that I won’t know about it until passing time, but it gives us, students, more focus on our education,” Samantha Manfready, a senior, said.

Several other members of the school community shared their thoughts as well. Brian Mumper, a Latin teacher, said the policy is “an overall positive,” noting that it helps students stay focused and reduces distractions. 

“It’s a good way to keep distractions low and encourage students to talk face-to-face,” said Physical Education teacher Dallas Rowley added,

Sophomore Christian Soi said, “The phone policy helps me keep my screen time and use of my phone down.”

Not all students view the policy as favorable though.  “I think the phone policy is unreasonable. Most kids don’t use their phones during class anyway, unless there’s nothing going on,” Joe Schneider, a sophomore, said.

Vice Principal Steven Jablonksi shared further positive results. “So far this year it has had a positive impact on the school. From an empirical standpoint, students are leaving class less to use the bathroom and spending less time when they get there. From an anecdotal perspective, teachers are reporting students are less distracted and they are having fewer issues in their classroom. Also, students are reporting that it has helped them focus more in class,” said Jablonski.

The success of this new policy isn’t just due to the school’s efforts alone. According to DiLollo, parents have played a crucial role in making sure the policy is taken seriously and followed through. “We sent letters home, updated the student and parent handbook, and highlighted the policy in school communications,” said DiLollo. “The response from parents has been overwhelmingly supportive. I’ve received at least two dozen emails from parents who are thankful for the change.” DiLollo said he hopes that by mid-year, the administration will see real changes in how students are interacting and performing in class. “I really think that as we move through the year, we’ll notice a boost in students’ focus, which should help improve their grades,” he said.

It’s hard to say for sure if this new policy will truly shake things up at Hillsborough High, but the administration looks forward to seeing the feedback and scores. “The best indicator of success will be what both teachers and students have to say about the changes they’re experiencing,” Mr. DiLollo noted. “If our overall test scores go up, then we’ll know it’s working.”