Casady vs the Phone Ban
Luke Stone (‘29), Staff Writer
Last May, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 139, banning the use of personal cellular devices, or phones, in school. Although Casady, along with other private schools in Oklahoma, is not directly affected by this bill, the school has decided to implement an active phone ban this year. Students are required to shut off their phones and store them in their backpacks until the end of the academic day.
Most students feel very strongly about this ban, especially freshmen who had been waiting for more phone freedom after middle school; however, despite mixed opinions, most people believe the phone ban has created a stronger sense of community within their grade.
“More people are hanging out and socializing, other than just scrolling on their phone,” said Ellis Cline (‘29). “We’re playing four-square right now, and people come out and play soccer and spikeball instead of just sitting inside.”
Although the phone ban has had some positive effects, some students voice their concern about what might happen without access to their phones. One freshman commented, “If we go into a secure drill or a lockdown, I think you should have your phone on you.” Another student said, “I feel like we’re responsible enough as high schoolers and they should teach us how to use them responsibly instead of just taking them away.”
However, without the distraction of phones, students have found various other activities to do. One game in particular, Clash Royale, a mobile strategy game made by Supercell, where players face off to destroy each other's towers, seems to have everyone’s attention. When popular streamer Jynxzi began streaming himself playing Clash Royale, Clash gained a surge of new players, including Casady students. Students can be seen playing Clash during breaks or before class, often teaching newcomers to the game the basics. Clash can be played on a mobile device like a phone or iPad, but because of the phone ban, students have turned to the mobile game emulator “BlueStacks” which allows them to play on their computers during break times.
When they aren’t “Clashing”, classmates have turned to traditional games like poker and blackjack. Poker chips and decks of cards have become a common sight in the common areas, where students gather to play and chat with each other.
While students have differing opinions on the ban, most students I spoke with agreed that the ban has had a positive effect on their relations with fellow classmates, bringing new opportunities to form friendships and stronger bonds with their classmates. Whether through a Clash Royale battle, a game of four-square, or a match of cards, Casady students continue to find ways to play and interact without their phones.
