The new phone rule policy is the most controversial topic at Overbrook High School. Is it good? Is it bad? This has been the argument for the last three months of the 2024-2025 school year. This article will review the pros and cons of this new dispute.

Overbrook’s cell phone policy was announced shortly after first-year orientation on August 27th. Almost immediately, controversy struck. The students of Overbrook had a few words to say about this new phone rule. River Clark, a junior at Overbrook High School, commented that they are not fond of this rule. They think there is a need for more communication with their parents during school hours and that students will find a way around it no matter how strict the rule gets. Another student, Brianna Cusato, a senior at Overbrook High School, believes that the phone policy can be beneficial. She thinks it is nice to disconnect from the internet world for a bit, but she also agrees that the consequences should be less strict. Overall, some students of Overbrook believe that the phone rule should be less rigorous.

On the other hand, there is an increase in the belief that the phone rule benefits teachers. The phone rule allows teachers to give students full attention without technical distractions. The 10th-grade history teacher, Mrs. Khori, explained that she appreciated the phone rule and agreed that students were more engaged in her classroom. She has seen a high increase in work that has been getting done in her classroom. Khori also elaborates that it is less stressful for her and many other teachers not to look for phones during the entire class period constantly. Mrs. Schwartz, the Overbrook choir teacher, has commented that she is ecstatic about the new phone rule. She commented that as a choir teacher, getting her students’ attention without the phones is a lot easier, and it is easier for her to do her job as a teacher.

The rule has remained the same. While the phone pockets remain and the decrease in phones continues, it is evident that students are applying the rule and can see an increase in their grades. Some students have approached the administration to express their opinions on the rule, but the administration has clarified its stance on the phone rule.

All in all, the people of Overbrook should agree on all sides. Solutions should best suit the administration, students, teachers, and parents. Students believe the phone rule should be lifted, while most teachers think it should be enforced more.”