Phone Ban Backfires in Study Hall, Students Forced to Actually Study

By: Harper LaLomia  

In a shocking turn of events, Quaker Valley High School’s new phone ban in study hall has had an unexpected consequence: students are faced with boredom. The ban is intended to reduce distractions so students can concentrate on their studying and assignments, and as a result, many students have seen fewer missing assignments in PowerSchool. However, when students run out of work to do—shocker—they must scramble to find ways to entertain themselves without their beloved phones. Some students report strange and terrifying sensations, including “boredom.” 

Reports of a productivity increase are mixed. “Basically, I feel productive when I am doing school work, but when there’s no work to do I just kind of sit around with nothing to do with my friends,” junior Nola Ebberts said. While some students, like Ebberts, spend their free time conversing with friends, others venture out to find solutions to their boredom. “I feel like since I don’t get much homework in general, I don't feel as productive,” junior Arianna Batina said. “Most days I normally go to the art room and work on my mosaic project or help Mrs. Strelec if she needs help with anything.” 

On the other hand, school administrators are thrilled with the results, despite some initial concerns about student withdrawal symptoms.