In Fall 2025, students were shocked to find the phone policy would be strictly enforced. 

The updated policy requires students to put their phones in a designated pouch at the front of every classroom when class starts and teachers to take attendance by counting the phones that are put up. Along with regular check-ins from administrators, this makes for a much stricter policy than the previous year. 

Some students have voiced distaste for the policy, while others are more supportive. “I think the phone policy is really good for the school to keep people on task and do better academically,” said Margaret Gascho (‘27). “However for me personally I don’t think it made that much of a difference because I wasn’t really ever on my phone.”

The biggest change with the new phone policy is its consistent enforcement. Previously, the phone pouches were not monitored as closely and many teachers took attendance through traditional means to avoid conflict with students. This year, Skyline administration has made it clear to teachers that in the case of a conflict, they will step in. 

“Last year, we were afraid of, as staff, not having admin support,” says Megan Stark. “Hearing them say ‘nope, we have your backs’ – I think that helps a lot.”

Meanwhile, some students have raised concerns about how a strict ban could be considered a safety issue. Separating students from their phones blocks contact with parents. There is also the potential of students running to get their phones from the front of the class during an emergency. 

“I understand this responsibility issue, but I think it would be a lot safer, and help students peace of mind, in events that could be dangerous, to be able to talk to their family,” said Lumi Mott (‘26). Mott also express concern that crowding around the phone pouches in case of an emergency could pose a safety concern.

Some students hope that strictly enforcing the phone policy could lead to higher GPAs and test scores. “Students in other districts have higher grades than they’ve ever had because they’re not continuously scrolling on their phones,” said Stark.  “I don’t see how that’s a bad thing. I don’t see how that’s a bad thing in the slightest.”

For some students, the phone policy isn’t a cause for concern  since phones have yet to be banned during passing periods or lunch. “Personally, I think the phone policy really makes sense,” said Stephen Peterson (‘29) “I think it makes sense to have it every hour for passing time, so you can respond to a text. And yeah, at lunch, you can use it freely, but I think it does make sense how they have it now, when you can’t have it in class.”