This 2024-2025 school year, a new law was passed by governor, Eric Holcomb. This law is for students and their cell phones. The law says students are forbidden to use cell phones during instructional time. There are exceptions for medical emergencies and disability reasons. The goal of this law is to restrict phones in Indiana schools and to limit distractions within the classroom.

Many teachers agree with the law and believe they have seen improvements in their classrooms. According to Ms. Musser, a teacher here at Benton Central, she says ” I’ve seen improvements in my classroom whether its students being less distracted, or students engaging more in classroom discussion. I can see a difference from this year compared to last year.” The majority of teachers here at Benton Central have the same opinion.

I asked a peer, Paizley Stepp, her opinion on the law and she said ” I don’t believe the law has made a difference, I see people on their phones all of the time.” Then when I asked her if she agreed with the law she said ” I think when the law is enforced, I do focus better in class. However, I do not agree with it because I always need to message my parents for a ride home from school or lunch money.” She also mentioned if something was to happen here at school to put her in danger, it would make her incredibly upset if she couldn’t get into contact with her parents. There are a lot of advantages with this new policy but people are looking past the disadvantages that it has as well.