With the beginning of the 2025 school year, the phone ban in schools has taken effect in over 26 states across America. Most teachers appear happy with the ban as they believe students will be able to have more focus in the classrooms.  

While students tend to disagree with that statement as some say music and technology help them get through the day. 

“I think it’s a great idea, I think my hope is that kids learn the value of an education seriously,” Welcome Center secretary Holly Bilbrey said. ”Having an actual rounded education with your own thoughts is important.” 

Throughout Santa Fe, students have had mixed feelings about the ban. Students are still not taking the phone ban seriously; most are still using their personal devices during instructional times.  

Overall, students still have shown that they cannot accommodate the phone ban. Teachers say it’s a great idea, most saying they enjoy seeing students interact with each other or picking up books more often. 

“I feel students’ phones are making them anxious,”  FACS teacher Amy Arbuckle said. “There is a book called ‘The Nervous Generation,’ I feel that applies to our students pursuing their phones making them nervous about their future.”

Recent threats have left students concerned about their safety in schools, worrying about contacting their parents or guardians in emergency situations. 

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” freshman Skylar Hamilton said.

It is unclear to students if these procedures will be implemented for OK  schools in the future or if it will be removed in future years; time will tell.