Memphis students split on cell phone ban in schools

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–It’s back to school day for high schoolers at Memphis Shelby County Schools, and for the first time cell phones have been banned during school hours.

This all comes after Tennessee State Lawmakers gave their final approval to ban the use of cell phones across the state.

“I think they had the right idea, but making it a law where you can get in a lot of trouble for it, I think they could have taken a different approach you know,” said Dalia Taylor, a student at Central High School.

Another Central High student said he’s against the policy.

“Some teachers say that they know we’re not supposed to have them. Some say don’t have them at all. Some say if you have it we’re going to warn you. Second time we’re going to tell you to put it on our desk and third is if you don’t want to give it up, they’ll just write you up,” said Zachary Manns-Cherry.

While many students were against the cell phone ban, one was in support of it.

“I believe overall, it could be a good thing for people because you know we get to study more, we get to be into our future more, see what we want to become,” Henry Lopez said.

“Instead of being on our phone, watching people be successful, we be successful ourselves.”

As far as the ban affecting a good school year, Manns-Cherry says he’s still planning on graduating regardless.

“I don’t really need a phone to not graduate, it’s still livable, I can do it,” he said.

This article was originally published by WREG Memphis.