For the 2026-27 school year Massachusetts public schools are planning on implementing a “bell to bell” phone ban where kids will not be able to have their phone with them at any point at school. This ban hopes to boost students’ focus and academic skills, help student mental health and improve the classroom environment. However, this ban is raising concerns over student safety since they would not be able to communicate with their parents or friends during the school day. The Searchlight turned to the hallways to learn more about the students’ thoughts on the “bell to bell” ban at WHS.
What is your opinion on the potential phone ban?
“I don’t like it, I do not think that is a smart idea.” – Maddison Walzer
“I really dislike it, I think that we need our phones during school and what will people use when they need to contact people?” – Aubrie Ma
“That would be bad because I need to be able to talk to my friends and communicate with my friends.” – Allie Flynn
“I am really worried about it because I need my phone during school.” – Norah Finn
How would you feel in a dangerous situation in school without your phone?
“I personally would be scared because when we had a threat last year, I was very thankful that I was allowed to use my phone and text my mom. Without my phone I would have been very scared.” – Madison Walzer
“I would feel scared because I would have no way to communicate with my family and my friends to know where they are. Also, if my parents did not know where I was, that would be very scary for them. Also, just to call 911.” – Aubrie Ma
“I would be really scared because without my phone, how would I be able to get help if I needed it.” – Allie Flynn
“I would feel very unsafe and concerned.” – Deanna Bisceglia
“I would feel unsafe because I don’t trust the school to handle it without me texting my parents. Especially because last year during the shooting threat I was unable to contact my parents and my teacher did not know it was happening so I felt very unsafe.” – Norah Finn
What do you use your phone for through the school day?
“For me I take a lot of pictures of my worksheets, so before a test I can quickly review my study guides rather than lugging through my bag for my papers.” – Madison Walzer
“I use it to study, I use quizlet, I use it to get my AP stats and to get onto google classroom easier when I can’t get on my Chromebook easily.” – Aubrie Ma
“Communicating with my friends and family.”- Allie Flynn
“I use my phone to text my parents.” – Deanna Bisceglia
“I use it for music but also get rides home when my bus changes with sports and stuff.” – Norah Finn
