During the dawn of a new school year at PLHS, something that seems to be the new talk of the school are the many new policies that have shown up. The most notable of these changes, however, is the new phone policy that students and teachers have to follow. The rule has not been very popular with the students ever since its introduction, and some have gone as far to say that the change was unnecessary, not helpful or just flat out bad.

However, it could be likely that some students, or maybe even teachers, are against the rules just so they can say that they are against it. Some of their honest thoughts may be completely different from what the popular opinion is.

“I think the cell phone policy is needed at some points in learning,” sophomore Nick Ervin said. “Some people don’t pay attention and they need to not have their phone when in class.”

Despite the popular opinion being that the new rule is bad, Ervin believes that the policy still has its benefits. However, this does not mean that those are his only thoughts.

“I do think that in some areas it is a little too strict,” Ervin said. “In weights class you aren’t allowed to have your phone, which sucks because anyone who regularly lifts might want to listen to music.” 

The inability to listen to music seems like one of the biggest criticisms when it comes to the new policy, as a lot of students have claimed that it helps them focus with their work. Despite this and some other criticisms, however, it is likely that students can still benefit from it.

“I feel like you will be able to focus more in class and get more work done,” Ervin said. “Students won’t have to worry about where their phone is.”

It is likely that since students won’t have to worry about where their phone is all the time, they can put away some of the potential stress that they have.

At the end of the day, there will be some students against it no matter what. However, it is important for everyone to know the reasons as to why this rule has been put in place.