To better understand student perspectives on a new state law banning cell phones in schools, we talked to them.

North Platte Supt. Todd Rhodes said the public schools will implement a full-day cell phone ban. The school board is expected to vote on the policy on Monday, June 9.

We interviewed two middle schoolers — an Adams Middle School eighth grader and a Madison sixth grader, along with two recently graduated seniors. They shared their thoughts on how cell phone use affects their school day and what they would consider fair rules.

Initial reactions

Reactions varied to the new law. Some students had heard of it; others hadn’t, but most supported its general aim.

A recent high school graduate said, “Limiting cell phone use could be very beneficial, as it’s common for students to lose track of time or focus.“

An eighth grader supported rules to limit phones during class but had a concern. “I do like the idea but what if something happens and we need to alert our parents?”

A sixth grader agreed: “I wouldn’t be okay with a full ban — because of school shootings and family stuff.”

Phone use

From music to emergency texts, phones serve various roles during the school day. One high schooler said: “I check texts, listen to podcasts or music to help focus, and use educational apps. But yes, sometimes I do get distracted.“

The other added, “My most used part of my phone would be music.”

The eighth grader used their phone in similar ways and emphasized the value of having access if feeling unwell or needing to contact a parent. The sixth grader said, “Yes, it’s important to have a phone at school for personal or safety reasons.”

Distraction or tool

The students agreed that phones can both help and hurt learning.

One of the high school graduates said: “Cell phones help people stay organized and connected… but they are also distractions. Some kids use them to concentrate, others to text friends during class.”

The other high school graduate added: “If a teacher connects the curriculum to students’ technology, phones can be used beneficially.”

Younger students shared similar view. The eighth grader admitted, “There’s always one kid that tries to sneak their phone,“ while also saying phones can help in staying calm or focused. The sixth grader pointed out that phones can help reduce chaos by allowing students to keep quiet or stay engaged productively.

Current policies, fairness

Cell phone policies differ from school to school. At Adams, the eighth grader described a flexible policy: “We can have [phones] on us, just not out during class unless the teacher says it’s okay.” The 6th grader, however, faces a stricter rule: “They stay in our lockers.”

When it comes to fairness, students said there are inconsistencies. “Teachers can always have their phones out,” said the eighth grader. “They usually aren’t on them, but sometimes they are, so it’s kind of different rules for them.“

The sixth grader was blunter: “No, they don’t [follow the rules]. They are always on their phones.”

High school students shared the concern. One said, “Some teachers let certain kids do whatever they want while being strict with others. And if kids can’t use phones, teachers shouldn’t either—unless necessary.”

What should a phone policy look like?

Because the new law requires schools to involve students in setting the rules, we asked: What would a fair phone policy look like?

One high schooler said balance is important: “Find a way for students to keep their phones but reduce distractions instead of just taking them away.“ The other one suggested structure: “Use them more efficiently or have teachers be stricter about when they should be put away.”

The eighth grader supported keeping phones accessible: “I suggest that we can still have them on us. I don’t think it’s that big of a distraction, and I think students should have some say in the things that go on in our school.”

In contrast, the sixth grader preferred a stricter approach: “They should just stay in lockers.” Still, both middle schoolers agreed that allowing phones during lunch and breaks is reasonable.

Focus, stress, socializing

Students had different views on how limiting phones might affect them personally. A high schooler said reducing phone use might help focus and lower stress — but could also reduce productivity for some.

The other believed some students might struggle, especially those who use phones as an emotional outlet, but would personally “just learn to deal with it and eventually get over it.”

The eighth grader didn’t believe their focus would change much either way: “I don’t think it would help me concentrate or anything, but I also don’t think it would affect me in a negative way at all.”

Both middle schoolers said phones play a role in social dynamics. “At lunch, I can show my friends a TikTok,” the 8th grader said. “We can laugh and talk about it.”

The sixth grader noted that phones can sometimes make things quieter, which is useful in an otherwise chaotic classroom.

Phones in schools can be a lifeline and a distraction. Students of all ages recognize both the benefits and challenges they bring, and largely support thoughtful, flexible policies over strict bans.

As the new law rolls out across Nebraska, the real test will be whether schools truly listen to student input, and if school are able to balance structure with freedom, and safety with opportunity.

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