Los Fresnos United and Los Fresnos High School have implemented a new cell phone policy for students this year.

This new policy only permits students to use cell phones before school, during lunch, and after school. Phones are not allowed to be used in the hallways or during class time. This policy also does not allow headphones, such as AirPods, to be used in any capacity unless it is needed for a lesson.

Sophomore Emma Alvarez sees both the pros and cons of the policy.

“I think the policy gets shoved in our face too much,” said Alvarez. “However, I do think this rule is good to help students focus, otherwise they would just be distracted in their classes.”

Mark Castillo, an English II teacher at Los Fresnos United, shared his experience with cell phone usage in his classroom.

“I feel like this policy has only strengthened my classroom,” Castillo said. “This policy helps with students’ impulse control and will only better further their focus on their education.”

Lillianna Ohm, a sophomore at Los Fresnos United, doesn’t think the policy is necessarily helpful.

“They need to focus on other issues,” said Ohm. “I need to text with my parents because of my extracurriculars and this policy has impeded my ability to do that.”

Julie Kupkowski, a business teacher at Los Fresnos United, sees positives and potential negatives with the matter.

“Students should stay off their phones during lessons,” said Kupkowski, “However, I think that students sometimes just need a break throughout the day and the policy should take into consideration the use of phones during some elective classes.”