When asked about the new no-phone rule at school, Jarek said, “It’s meant to help people focus, but honestly, students are just finding better ways around it. Even if they get in trouble or suspended for having their phone, most of them don’t really care. They’re going to use it anyway.”

When asked whether phones should be banned the entire school day or only during class, Jarek said he thinks students should at least be allowed to have their phones during lunch. “Sometimes lunch can be really boring or the table just feels stale. People want to scroll, listen to music, or talk to friends from other tables. And honestly, how is the school going to make sure everyone keeps their phones put away after lunch?”

In terms of how the rule affects his daily experience, Jarek said it doesn’t affect him much, but he does miss being able to listen to his own music during the day. “Music helps me focus and keeps me from zoning out,” he explained.

When asked if he feels less distracted in class when his phone is put away, Jarek shook his head. “No, I actually feel more spaced out. Having my phone helps me stay more alert and focused, especially when I need something to keep me awake. Like Nina always says, ‘Don’t fall asleep in class,’ and music helps with that.”

If he could change one thing about the phone rule, Jarek said he would allow phones during lunch. “That would make things more fair for everyone. Students need a break too, and having their phone for a short time wouldn’t hurt.”

When asked if he thought the rule made students more focused or more frustrated, Jarek answered quickly, “Definitely more frustrated. The school keeps blocking everything, so students just get mad that they don’t have anything to do. Instead of helping, it makes people want to find more ways around it.”

For a fair compromise between a total ban and full phone access, Jarek suggested an “out of sight, out of mind” policy. “If your phone’s away and you’re not using it, that should be fine. Teachers shouldn’t take it just because they see it in your pocket.”

When asked if he thought the rule was fair, Jarek said no. “The school needs to find a better way to keep students focused on their work without treating everyone like they’re doing something wrong.”

He explained that his phone actually helps him stay focused when he uses it responsibly. “It helps me when I need it. It keeps me awake and focused. I’m not just using it to play games.”

When asked how schools should better handle parents trying to contact their kids, Jarek said, “I don’t really think there’s another way. Phones are the easiest and fastest way for parents to reach us.”

He added that he would trust the school to contact his parents if something serious happened. “Yeah, I would. It’s their job. I’m sure it’s written somewhere in the rules — you just have to read the fine print.”

When asked if the no-phone rule should apply to teachers as well, Jarek said no. “Teachers should be allowed to have their phones because during lockdowns, they get important emails and updates. But they shouldn’t be on their phones during passing periods or lunch just like us.”

As for how schools should enforce the rule more fairly, Jarek admitted, “I don’t think they can. There are always going to be people who try to sneak around it.”

When asked what punishments make sense for breaking the rule, he said, “If someone keeps using their phone, just take it away for the day or give them a 30-minute detention. Suspension is too much. Some kids don’t even care if they get suspended. Maybe more ISS time would make more sense.”

Finally, when asked if the rule treats responsible and irresponsible students the same way, Jarek said, “Yeah, it does.”