High schools around the country have adapted rules regarding cell phone use on their campus. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 77% of public high schools across the U.S. have strictly limited student usage of cell phones and have only made them accessible at the beginning or end of the day. However, private schools differ when it comes to cell phone usage, as they have more leniency compared to public schools. Students at Mater Dei are able to use their cell phones during lunch, passing periods, and sometimes even during class with respect to teachers’ rules and the nature of the course. The accessibility of phones presents students opportunities to connect with friends, study, and feel relaxed at school.

Unlike public schools such as Los Alamitos High School, where phones are not permitted to students during school hours, Mater Dei students are able to chat and send pictures on their phones to their friends to update them on their day. Sophomore Brandon Fragoso sees students being afforded the opportunity to communicate often with friends.

“I see [students] usually taking photos of themselves, sending it to their friends to show what they’re up to during school,” Fragoso said.

Teachers at Mater Dei often share a connection with their students and understand the issues or difficulties some may face, which is a reason why students are occasionally able to be more free in the classroom, including using phones. 

Students like Fragoso appreciate the phone policies allowed by Mater Dei for all students, and how it helps curb anxieties.

“Teachers understand some students need their phone to take a step back from any work in school,” Fragoso said. “They see it as a way for students to relax [and] take a break from everything.” 

Many students at Mater Dei think that the cell phone rules provide much needed freedom. However, phones can also lead students to becoming distracted from schoolwork. This is a large reason why public schools have cell phone restrictions in place on their campuses. Students should be focussing soley on their studies. 

On the other hand, cell phones can provide students with ways to stay on track with their school work. Students’ phones give them encouragement to complete their goals, as phones act as a reward after completing the task at hand. Senior David Oswald finds that cell phones actually help students with focus and academics. 

“I believe that phones help students stay on task, even though it seems [hard to believe],” Oswald said. “I think having that outlet helps students stop from burning out, because they [know] they have something to come back to, to take a little break with.”

Despite the widespread limiting phone policies placed in public schools around the country, Mater Dei faculty and staff have put trust in the students to use their phones correctly, which empowers students with the freedom they want and need.

“Mater Dei understands the competency of the students. They put a lot of trust in the students, and with that, students are going to repay it in a good way [by focusing on studies, becoming happier, etc.], and I think that’s why Mater Dei is so lenient,” Oswald said.

Students share mixed thoughts about the accessiblilty of cell phones at Mater Dei. Phones can be a hindrance to students and prevent them from getting tasks done, but can also be useful tools that students can utilize to enhance workflow. Senior Katherine Allen sees both the pros and cons of the devices on campus.

“Most of the time, [cell phones] are a distraction, but I do think they can be helpful in some situations at school, like studying,” Allen said. ”But I think it’s best that teachers keep students from using their phone class.” 

As cell phone policies and rules continue to develop over the years in public and private high schools, it is important to learn the responsibilities of owning and using a phone on school grounds. Students at Mater Dei respect the phone policies because unlike public schools, Mater Dei tries to empower students with personal will power and a mature frame of mind in regard to privledges. The usage of phones on campus has pros and cons, but as long as students abide by the rules of each teacher and the student handbook, Mater Dei can continue to be a happy, healthy community.