Where should schools draw the line on social media? Social media has become popular worldwide. Billions of people use social media every day, especially students. More and more schools have been taking action and limiting the use of phones in school, garnering mixed opinions from their students.
An eleventh grader at BSGE admits she spends a lot of time on her devices, both in school and at home. She explains that sometimes when she’s doing her homework, “the simple sound of a Snapchat notification distracts me.” She notes that it’s difficult to concentrate, especially when there’s new messages in her group chat or a new post on her feed. She claims that social media comes with its positives and negatives.
BSGE has a strict phone policy, and some students aren’t happy about it. This junior understands why it’s in place, but feels students should be allowed to check their phones in the hallways, and as long as they’re not being used in class. “Social media can definitely affect a school environment” she mentions. “Online drama sometimes gets pulled into schools, and people start taking sides. It just causes more problems”.
Another student at BSGE isn’t a fan of social media whatsoever. “It’s so toxic, and I don’t see why people waste their time on social media.” This eighth grader explains that social media is distracting, and it has affected many people’s academic performance. He stands for the fact that social media has negative effects on teenagers. He admits that it interferes with his studies, and that he prefers having his phone completely turned off when doing homework or studying. He says the school’s phone policy doesn’t bother him, because he “only uses devices during lunchtime anyway.” He also says, “I absolutely believe social media affects a student’s school environment. Without this phone policy, all the students would be scrolling mindlessly like zombies on their way to class.”
A ninth grader at BSGE shared that she loves social media, and couldn’t imagine life without it. She explains that social media is how she connects with her peers and hears about the latest updates. This freshman also mentions it’s a good way to unwind, as looking forward to sitting in bed watching TikTok is her favorite part of the day. “I have pretty good self control. I can balance doing my homework and going on my phone.” She finds that social media doesn’t distract her, although she is aware how different it is for everyone. She’s not a fan of BSGE’s new policy, since phones are “a part of everyday life now” and believes students “should be able to use them.” She recognizes that social media has its ups and downs, but for the most part it’s positive. It’s entertaining, educational, and it allows people to express themselves.
All in all, after interviewing students at BSGE, it is evident that many people have different opinions on social media and our schools phone policy. Some think it’s helpful, while others find it restrictive. Everyone has different opinions, which is inevitable with such a subjective topic. What do you think about social media, especially in educational facilities?
