District 225 implemented new regulations for student cell phones, Deputy School Superintendent R.J Gravel wrote in the weekly district emails. Students are now required to place their cell phones in a cell phone caddy at the start of every class, and students who do not follow the new policy face disciplinary action, Ronald Bean, Assistant Principal of Deans, said. –

At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, South staff and administrators began discussing the impact of phones on students’ learning and engagement, Bean said. Additionally, South got input from other schools in the Chicago area about issues around cell phone use and their policies, Bean – explained.

“[The school administration] wanted to try and get kids more engaged in class, have less distractions, and not have conversations about cell phones all the time,” Bean said. 

This change to school policy was communicated to students and staff during  the summer to make the transition as smooth as possible, Bean said. On the first few days of school, teachers in every class stated the new cell phone policy to clarify any confusion, he explained. 

Senior Alex Lehene supports the new cell phone procedure, even though it feels like a big change from last year. 

“I like how the new cell phone policy encourages more face-to-face interactions between students,” Lehene said. “Even though it is a big change for students compared to last year, I think it will be beneficial in the long run.”

However, not all students view this change as a positive one. Junior Sofie Nadeem believes that the new cell phone caddies will restrict students’ freedom and prevent them from advancing socially. 

“One aspect of cell phones that [the administration] overlooks is the social benefits they provide for students,” Nadeem said. “By using phones, kids can exchange phone numbers and contact information to make connections.”

As the policy is enforced throughout the school year, students can craft their own opinions on how the policy has affected them, Bean said. However, the school aims to increase learning and attention amongst students to the best of their ability, he explained.

“ We’re trying to increase engagement in school, give [students] an opportunity to focus, and [work] on communicating with [their peers] and the teachers in the classroom,” Bean said.