Bremen High School introduced cell phone lockers in every class this year. Students must put their phone in the locker at the start of each class, lock it up, and hold onto the numbered key until the end of the class period. After one semester of using the lockers, here are the pros and cons of using them in class each period.
10 reasons cell phone lockers are beneficial!
– Reduces distractions in class
– Promotes academic integrity
– Encourages social interaction
– Improves school safety ( Limits distractions if emergency)
– Improves brain health with less screen time
– Prevents cyber bullying
– Supports district policies
– Reduces potential theft or lost phones
– Fosters a tech free environment
– Encourages responsible phone use
10 reasons cell phone lockers are not so good!
– Phones could be stolen
– Emergency situations where parents need to get in contact fast
– Takes up class time having to go get your phone and put it in the locker
– Students get antsy; causes anxiety from the detachment
– Trust can be built by allowing students to hold onto their phones.
– Students could be dealing with a situation that requires a parent’s advice
– Students feel more comfortable having access to the phone and therefore will focus better
– Downtime in class gets boring with only iPads
– Keys go missing when a student forgets to put it back which creates a problem for the teacher
– The lockers get broken and need repairs
