The library has always been a popular spot at Mendham, not only for studying but also for its reliable Wi-Fi. Many students head there during their study hall or lunch to catch up on homework, use their phones for entertainment, or just to relax.
But this year, that changed. A more restricted rule has been enforced regarding cell phone use in the library. Students can still keep their phones with them, but phones must remain in backpacks and out of sight. This decision, supported by our wonderful librarian, Mrs. Brandt, who has been here for 8 years, was made after noticing many students using their phones for entertainment rather than academics. There is now more of a focus on maintaining a quiet space for kids who need it. Mrs. Brandt explained, “Nearly all students who were up here on their phones were not using their phones for school work. It was just for entertainment or gaming or social media, or whatever, because the Wi-Fi is so good up here, and I understand it’s not great downstairs. So that was why kids were up here on their phones.” She discussed that two things were happening: some students were meeting in groups to play their games or to discuss what they were scrolling through on social media, and she highlighted that it was disruptive to the students who were actually there to work. The other issue some students were having, she referenced, was that there were kids who seemed so eager to get back on their phones after not being allowed to have a phone in class that they “seemed disconnected from our school community because they were so narrowly focused on any minutes they could get on their phone.” Mrs. Brandt emphasized that what “we, [teachers and administrators], wanted was less of that and more connection with one another.” She remarked, “There’s really nowhere else in the building a student can be if they need quiet…So we feel we owe it to those kids…we want kids who would like a place to chat to have the option for downstairs, but also want to make sure that the kids who need or want quiet have that option too.”
In an interview in early October, Mrs. Brandt said that she’s already noticed some positive effects. “When it was first announced a few weeks ago, we saw fewer kids coming upstairs, but that has picked back up.” She stated, “I’m seeing more kids reading books because they put their phones away.” She also added that students have been respectful about the rule, saying, “They’ve been great about asking if they may have permission to use their phone. For example, a student needed to scan something and send it to her teacher. She asked first, did it quickly, and then put her phone away. That’s exactly what we want.” Teachers on library duty have also helped enforce the rule by reminding students and handing out slips outlining expectations for behavior, phone use, and cleanliness.
However, not everyone is happy with the change. A recent Google Form survey sent to students in late October (319 students responded) about their thoughts on the phone rule showed that 69% of the students who responded strongly disagreed with the rule, and that 48% of them said they no longer go up to the library.
In an open-ended question, when asked, “How do you usually use your phone when you’re in the library – for entertainment or for schoolwork?” a majority of the responses were either for both or for schoolwork. One student remarked, “I use it to play music, which helps me focus, and I use it to keep track of assignments in my notes app.” Similarly, another student said, “In the library, I use it for work, mostly to upload things to my Drive from my phone – or send emails. When I am using my phone for entertainment, it is mainly just a small brain break.”
Some students feel the rule is unfair. One student had a strong opinion on the rule and mentioned several reasons they felt the rule was unnecessary:
“Many students go to the library for their study hall, which is a time to use for whatever we see fit. It feels like a punishment and developmentally inappropriate for soon-to-be adults. Whether a student does their work or not is ultimately their responsibility, and removing that choice removes our agency. ”
Even with the low percentage of support for the phone rule, the issue of students needing a quiet space remains significant. The rule – keeping their phones with them but having to keep them in their backpacks and out of sight — was made to maintain a quiet and focused space for students who needed it. Some students have noticed the positive changes. One student explained that since the enforcement of the rule, they focus much better, and added that “hearing other people on their phones used to be one of the biggest distractions during my study hall.” Another student stated, “I would use my phone for entertainment and was distracting and not in a good way. The rule has disciplined me for the better.” While not everyone supports the policy, these early reactions suggest that limiting phone use may help create a more focused space for those who do rely on the library for studying and/or completing assignments.
While the initial reaction to the enforcement of this rule, according to those who completed the survey, seems to be somewhat negative, there are some students who have begun to appreciate the library space with the enforcement of this rule. The Patriot will continue to investigate and listen to students’ reactions on this issue as we get into the new year.
