Missouri Senate Bill (MO 68) has sparked controversy, with many disagreeing with the limitations on the usage of personal devices during the school day. Many students at Hickman have strong opinions on the mandate, with varying degrees of positivity, negativity or mixed feelings.

Some students view the ban as a step in the right direction, even if it is not a perfect solution

“I am glad about the phone ban bill. I do think that the problem was relevant, and I think the problem needed a solution and I think it’s one of those things [that] the solutions are hard to create, and no matter what, it’s not going to please anyone, but I think that it needs a solution,” Harvey Munter (11) said. “Regardless, I do think that there are some things I don’t necessarily agree with within the bill, and that it could be considered extreme in some regards, but I do think that it’s better than no solution at all.”

Others questioned whether banning phones would actually curb use. 

“No one really follows it…if you want people to learn in education, you shouldn’t ban [students’] phones, because that’s not the way to do it, they’re just going to try to be on it more.” Shirley Houston (10) said.

The debate also touched on when students should, if ever, be allowed on their phones during the school day. 

“I do think it’s important for kids to have phones in case an emergency happens. But I do think that while we shouldn’t have them in class, we should be able to have them during passing period and lunch…there was definitely a better way to go about it,” Sydney King (9) said.

Jacob Marshall (12) points out that the new regulations haven’t changed much in his daily routine.  

“Honestly, I don’t think anything’s happening…CPS had something [like this] before, and I think it might be worse in classes that I’m not in, enforcing-wise, but for me, it’s not that bad,” Jacob said.

Teachers have also noticed challenges and shortcomings with the rollout of the new bill. 

“I appreciate that the Senate is trying to create a distraction-free educational environment. I think that’s what everyone at Hickman or anyone at any public school would want. I think we all know smartphones are an issue, even the students,” Geometry teacher Lou Kraxberger said.“I [just] don’t know that their bill provided the structure that we need to implement that policy successfully here at Hickman.”