Classroom Chronicles
Cell Phone Edition (Addiction)
My left-hand hurts. It hurts because I almost lost it today in my classroom. I didn’t wake up choosing violence. Violence chose me. My left hand paid the price for me trying to make a point and enforce the rules.
It is a policy in my school’s district, school, and my classroom that cell phones need to be off and out of sight during class time. My school tries to be flexible by allowing students to use their phones as they transition between classes and in the cafeteria during breakfast and lunch. All the students have to do is keep them off and away while in class. For most students, it can be done. But for others, being away from their phone is like asking Godzilla to clean up the mess after destroying Tokyo — it ain’t gonna happen.
Since the school year began three weeks ago, I’ve had to ask students multiple times during class to put their phones away. I make a general announcement at the start of class and then do reminders when I see certain students texting away on their phones. Usually, most students comply and it’s not an issue for the rest of the class. Today, it was an issue.
One of my students had her phone out and was showing something on her screen to another student. At first, she had the phone on her lap then as we transitioned to the next portion of the lesson, she raised up the phone to show something to her classmate. Now mind you, no one around the student had their phones out. It was only her. I made the announcement to put the phone away and proceeded with the lesson. The phone remained out with the two girls talking about whatever was on the phone.
I had another teacher in the classroom with me. She pushes in every day because some students need extra support. The teacher clearly heard me make the request about the cell phone and also saw the phone in the student’s hands. Again, I made the request in between asking the rest of the class to proceed with the activity. Again, the student ignored me and kept talking with her phone out.
I’m a patient person, but I have my limits. I felt disrespected by the student. Why was my request being blatantly ignored?! What was so damn important on the phone? I didn’t care. Class time was being wasted and the student hadn't even acknowledged my request to put the phone away. I then walked over to acquire the phone. The student, finally seeing me, tried to put her phone inside her desk (which is also not allowed) and I reached in to retrieve the phone. That’s when I almost lost my left hand.
The girl starts grabbing for her phone and scratching my hand in the process. I already had the phone in my hand, but her hands were clawing at me like an angry cat. I told her to let go of my hand. My voice was firm but with an edge. My left hand hurt and I felt my blood boil. I hate taking phones. I try to avoid it. But the student’s blatant disregard for class and school rules was too much. Plus, this wasn’t her first offense.
I placed the student’s phone on the table where I had laid out the lesson handouts. The girl starts coming out the mouth, saying her phone wasn’t mine to take. I told her that it was since she had violated the cell phone policy. The student didn’t care about policy and continued to be disrespectful. The co-teacher took her out of class for a walk and talk.
I continued with the lesson, but I was livid. I reminded the class that the cell phone policy applies to everyone and there are consequences when it’s not followed. I felt that my whole workday was now ruined. I didn’t come to work to argue over the phone and get my hand scratched up. I came to teach and engage young minds.
Cell phones are great but they’re highly addictive. Teens are on social media and it’s their world. I can understand that. Adults can be fixated on phones, too. But there are expectations to meet and rules to follow. If I were on my phone instead of teaching, I’d be in trouble. The consequences are the same for the students.
The pandemic didn’t help matters. For the past year and a half, the students were mostly home, doing their own thing without restriction. Upon returning to school, they had to adjust to procedures and rules. Again, some students made the adjustment and some have yet to do so. Those who are struggling with the cell phone policy will be the same students who won’t know why they’ve received a low grade in the class. They’ll blame everyone else except themselves. I’ve seen this scenario play out too many times.
After the class, I calmed myself with a walk and a snack. I played some upbeat music and focused on preparing for the second half of class. The music was a big help. I danced and sang around the classroom. By the time the students returned, I was ready to continue the lesson. I’m not letting someone dictate what goes on in my classroom. I want my students to be successful.
