A splash into the world of phones and the world behind it.

Phones have become an obsession for many in middle school or high school. They are basically how we function and keep in touch with family and friends along with the fact that students cannot live without phones. More that 90 percent of kids have phones by 6th grade. Barstow has implemented a policy against phones being out at all before school or during the school day.

Haya-lee Malik believes phones should have restrictions, but not necessarily be banned, “I think phones should be an 8th grade privilege because we’re almost freshmen and currently way more mature than other grades.” Clara George agrees, saying, “If we were to have an emergency….I would wanna have easy access to my family and be alerted and updated.Some kids think that phones distract us more. Clara George says, “ Phones are distracting because people won’t follow the rule.

It would most likely end in people taking unwanted photos and videos of people and all still sneaking their phones.” Meanwhile Malik disagrees, saying, “Phones aren’t super necessary in class along with flex, but passing periods make sense cause we can’t even go outside. I also think at lunch because kids would be much more quiet and we can’t even go outside anyway.”

Caroline Fink ‘29 watching a fun show on her phone. (Charlotte Eperjesy ’29)

This is an argument to be had because there are endless amounts of reasons why we should have our phones. Mainly because the 8th graders are only a year away from high school and it is vital to try to gain as much trust and maturity now so we can be more productive in the future. Based on research, teenagers have a harder time without their phones because phones are easy way to get work done in the mornings or contact teachers.

In conclusion life without phones can be a struggle in some areas especially when you completely cut a teen off. Without phones all day it can cause kids stress and anxiety to not be able to wind down properly. However no phones can also give your eyes a break and less screen time. Many middle schoolers use their phones nowadays to decompress from a stressful day along with helping them navigate the social world during school morning flex and after school. It’s always a nice thing to be able to relax on your phone after a long hard day or even in between classes.