The new Brophy phone ban has been implemented and brought an increase in student interaction on campus. Dean of Student Formation Dr. Brian Johnson, has had a major role in enforcing and creating this phone ban.

“At first I was hesitant because I didn’t want the school to feel draconian or like we were moving backwards,” said Dr. Johnson. 

“What changed is that we did a heavy amount of research…consulted with some of the other schools that did it (implemented a phone ban) and I would say some of the biggest things they had is social and emotional well being in mental health…we saw a lot of that evidence when we did it (implemented a phone ban) during Lent as a school community last year and a lot of the students I spoke with had positive feedback” Dr. Johnson said.

Both students and teachers have generally supported the phone ban. 

“I definitely support it …I feel like having no phones in class has better engagement from students,” Fordham Wong ‘29 said. 

However, not everybody has always agreed with the policy. Anderson Roof ‘27 doesn’t support the policy because he finds that communication was key for him and his peers. He found that the lack of quick, in pocket, communication has impacted the way he goes about his day at Brophy by making it more frustrating and tedious.

 “In class, it’s helped. Out of class, it’s been sort of an inconvenience,” Roof said. 

However, some have wondered if students catch up on their phone time at home. 

“I’m curious if parents have noticed we’ve just pushed the problem back onto them,” Sr. Patrick Higgins said.  

Along with this, students and teachers have noted how everything that was previously used on the phone, has simply been transferred to the macbook. 

“I am supportive of the phone ban because I think it really has separated people from their phones…but I do think it’s less effective at Brophy because of the presence of computers…as you can still use Snapchat, Youtube, texting on the Macbooks,” said Daniel Pagnone ‘28 on his experience so far.

However, teachers say they find the benefits weigh over the downsides because their students are more active and engaged in class, allowing them to get the most out of their time learning. 

“Currently I support it…there seems to be more interaction…I was initially against the phone ban when we were talking about it last year and the year before” said Mr. Mike Welty.

While Mr. Welty initially had concerns, his opinion changed because he found the phone ban to be the best way to help students get away from their phone.

“My concern was that by banning them on campus, we wouldn’t be doing the right thing…But I think it’s become so drastic that kids are just so laser focused, addicted to their phones…Our best bet is to teach kids how to be without them during the time that they’re on campus,” Mr. Welty said.