The AISC School Debate Team took the floor at a recent High School assembly to consider the proposition: Schools should ban cell phones in their entirety. 

The Affirmative side pitched the diminished focus, distraction argument. They talked about cyber bullying and the dark side of social media which creates anxiety and where questionable content, bad actors, and few guardrails are pervasive. They also mentioned cheating. They were persuasive and sincere.  

The Negative side felt that dealing with excessive or improper phone use in a more even-keeled, educational manner was the way to go – not bans. They argued that students need to develop appropriate ownership and responsibility regarding phone use to internalize solutions that can be sustained once in an environment not constrained by bans. They were equally persuasive and sincere.  

The audience was engaged. They listened and considered the various points made by the talented risk-takers on stage. At the end of it all, the school principal spoke of the ban in practical terms. Students were informed, heard, and respected. The new policy was successfully implemented!