The state’s new cell phone ban doesn’t take effect until the next school year, but one Chicago high school is implementing a policy of its own ahead of time.
North Lawndale College Prep on Chicago’s West Side rolled out its own phone-free system two weeks ago.
Every morning, students trade their phones for school Chromebooks at the door, sorted by a red-and-green card system modeled after TSA PreCheck—red for a student still holding a phone, green for one who isn’t. School leaders said the goal isn’t to ban technology – rather to remove a “tool of mass distraction” from the school day.
“This is a technology exchange so that they can really get used to and practice using technology appropriately and effectively,” said Dr. Genessa Brown, CEO and acting principal. “The parent feedback overall has been positive and very supportive. The parents want their students engaged in learning all day. We want to make sure that the students have access to their instructor, have access to proper technology and how to use it, that the children can see for themselves that they could go a day without a phone.”
“I kind of missed my phone a little bit, but it’s mandatory. So, I got to follow the rules,” said senior Muhammad Hudefa. “It makes my day way more interactive. I talk to many people throughout the day, through the hallways, when I’m walking at lunchtime. When I’m just walking in the building, I talk [to] like five people. And that’s just starting with the staff. So, I feel like it’s very, very, it’s a good thing.”
Others agreed.
“I do feel like we’re more focused without the phones because you can’t really focus when you’re on your phone and your teacher is talking, unless you’re good at multitasking,” said junior Keyshaun Hughes. “Sometimes, I feel my pocket and think, where’s my phone? Did I lose it? And then I remember, oh, I turned it in, so I cannot get it until the end of the day.”
“I have noticed that the students are more engaged in class,” said Spanish teacher Erica Matthews. “I feel that they are more actively present. They are thinking more, they’re asking more questions.”