During the summer before the 2023-2024 school year, Lincoln Public Schools informed students and their families of a new district-wide cell phone policy. After being implemented into two high schools the previous year and showing success, it was then applied to all LPS elementary, middle, and high schools, with the guidelines slightly differing between each.

The policy for high schoolers states that phones are only to be used during passing periods and lunch time. All personal electronic devices must be powered off and out of sight during class, and there are three steps of consequences if the expectations are not met.

At Lincoln East High School, teachers clearly communicated the rules of the policy during the first few days of the year. At first, many students opposed it, wondering how they would get through the year with such restrictions. But now it’s the new normal, and its positive effects delight teachers and parents.

“Students are talking to one another again,” East teacher Michaela Schleicher said. “I’ve also found there’s less late work, missing work, and students as a whole have done better on assessments because they’re not so distracted by their devices.”

While every student has their own opinion, it’s no doubt that the policy is leading to greater academic performance. Lincoln East senior Erin Krueger has never been a student to constantly be on her phone during school, but she has noticed it’s impact on her peers.

“Personally, I don’t see a difference with myself,” Krueger said. “The phone policy didn’t really affect me, but I’ve been seeing more people engaged and using their time wisely.”

Despite being in place for only slightly over a month, the policy has turned out to be a huge success, showing a positive sign to return in the years to come.