Teachers face disengaged classes as a result of social media accessed on cell phones during class. Students’ first priority in school should be learning.

Sports and clubs often use social media to organize events and meetings. However, social media is not the only forum for group communication. Students can still use group messaging apps as possible alternatives, as long as they only use their phones during appropriate times.

Clubs take on the responsibility to coordinate with members outside of school.   

According to the student handbook, Park authorizes teachers to confiscate cellphones if they are used in class. Unfortunately, it is not possible for a teacher to collect a phone every single time a student uses it. By blocking social media, the school’s new policy eliminates a major distraction in class and will help contribute to a better learning experience. Students cannot be trusted to refrain from using cell phones in class.

According to the student handbook, when using the school’s Wi-Fi, students are only allowed limited privacy. Student use of school Wi-Fi can be both monitored and restricted. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat, all of which may be blocked, do not contribute to, but instead detract from the learning atmosphere at Park.

Very few bans are 100 percent effective. Therefore, some students might still be able to access social media accounts. But the majority of students, unable to access social media on their phones, might actually pay attention in class.

School is a place for students to maximize their learning potential and educational opportunities. The social media ban on the school’s Wi-Fi creates a better learning atmosphere, limiting the distraction of cellphones.