A new cell phone policy has been implemented here at Canyon for the 2024-2025 school year.

Although many were apprehensive after learning that the policy from previous years had been altered, the new policy was received much better by returning students than many may have anticipated.

Cell phones can no longer be kept in clothing pockets or directly with a student. Instead, they must be inaccessible during class time, including trips to the restroom. Many students were upset upon first learning about these changes to the policy, and were disappointed about the fact that these new restrictions would prevent them from being able to listen to music while doing simple classwork or studying.

As time has passed, and we were given time to settle back into the school rhythm, many have come to agree that the new policy is not that great of a jump from that of last year’s—and that these restrictions will be an ideal way to keep students attentive and involved.

Even in Honors and AP classes, there have been, in the past, too many instances of students being distracted by their phones instead of working. As stated by Evie Greene, a junior here at Canyon, “it’s reasonable because teachers do deserve attention and respect.”

With the restriction of cell phone use to only during breaks, students will be more inclined to actually pay attention during lectures and distance themselves from outside distractions.

Despite the initial changes or criticism that the introduction of this policy has brought, many Canyon students have been changing their minds and are starting to understand the reasoning behind these alterations. Although you may not be able to listen to music in math class anymore, it’s a small price to pay to help everyone focus in class—and learn the important skills and information being taught by their teachers to succeed in high school and beyond.