For the 2023-24 school year, Milton High has made one thing abundantly clear: no students may use their phones in class unless given permission by a teacher or for medical exemptions.

The policy, which was updated in the handbook before the start of the school year, states that “students are NOT allowed to use cell phones during class time whether they are in class or not.” Additionally, cell phone “usage will NOT be permitted in class unless the student has prior approval from the teacher and the use is directly related to the instruction of the class.”

The current policy not only limits use but also states that students must place their phones in a designated area of the classroom. The most common example of this has been shoe organizers with individual pockets.

The policy was updated because, “it is consistent with student expectations”, says Karen Cahill, the principal at MHS. Administrators reiterate that the policy was necessary to help students become less “attached” to their phones.

However, she adds that except for restrictions during advisory and the fact that teachers must have students place their phones in a designated area, the rule has been in the handbook for a number of years.

Cahill added, “it absolutely has” become a bigger problem in recent years, based on the information she has access to. She also explained that the decision was a collective one between members of the site council, which includes her, students, parents, and teachers, and that it was approved by the school committee.

In a survey of over 150 students, less than 18% of respondents said they approve of the policy as it currently is. The main concerns that have been raised by the student body include resentment towards restrictions during advisory and feeling unprepared in case of emergency.

Cahill said that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the organization that accredits high schools, made it clear during the accreditation process in 2012 that students needed time to “form bonds” with each other and have a “trusted adult” in the building. Cahill says that “phone usage during advisory was taking away from that.”

However, many students, like Sophomore Lily Babb, don’t feel the same way. She said that before the restrictions were introduced for advisory, “the class actually felt more connected.” She adds that they “shared a lot with each other” when they had access to things like photos, videos, and music on their phones. Now, she says, “We are all buried in our work” because they feel as though there is no alternative.

One senior, who chose to remain anonymous, said that the policy has led to them and other students feeling unwelcome in class. They said that “teachers don’t say good morning anymore, they don’t say hi, they say ‘put your phone away.’”

In response, Cahill said that she would “like to think that the first thing teachers do” is greet their students. However, she adds “Teachers shouldn’t have to say it every day if students are following expectations.”

Senior Neve D’Arcy said, “In an emergency, I want to contact my family.” Student concerns regarding emergencies have heightened after the numerous lockdowns at MHS last year, and many feel that with the new policy, they feel that they cannot access their phones in an emergency. 

For now, Cahill says that the policy is “going as expected” and is likely here to stay.