The ban on phones has had a massive effect on the students here at Lakeside, and included in that ban was the prohibition of headphones, earbuds, and AirPods While the ban is reasonable with many valid reasons, there are other reasons why headphones may be allowed.
This ban is seen as something that is beneficial for students, as it would lead to not being distracted by music and being disconnected from the internet. Using headphones as a tool instead of eliminating them would in turn be beneficial for students here at Lakeside High School because of the many benefits that they are.
In a loud classroom, while trying to focus on individual work, it may be hard to concentrate on yourself and the work that you have to do. Students should be able to have the freedom of being able to listen to music while not having instructional time, or while working on classwork.
While music could be seen a distraction, as it can be; studies have shown that music can help with focus and concentration.
Dr. Masha Godkin, who is a professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Sciences at National University says, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory,”
When Foster Wilson, who is a junior here, was asked, “How do you think having listening devices in class can be beneficial for students?”
“It could improve focus in class, though having music playing.”
Additionally in an article published by Encore Data Products, it says, “ Headphones can be a great tool for promoting focus and concentration in the classroom, but they should be used in moderation.”
These devices can also be used as an educational tool. When the assignment requires a video to watch, students would be able to use their own personal devices to be able to complete their assignment, instead of having to distractingly play the video out loud, or having to use the provided headphones.
When Merritt Bratton was asked the question, “ What are your feelings about the ban on AirPods and headphones”?
“Personally, I am indifferent but I see the benefits and the downsides of having them/banning them.
There is also the side of how restricting these devices is seen as reasonable, as they can easily be turned into a quick distraction in class. It can also be seen as rude if used while a teacher is talking or teaching the class.
But with that argument in mind, the ban is not really reinforced with a solid reason that would effect every student who uses these devices.
Staff writer, Anusha Zaveri for Mercer Island High School writes in her article Let Students Wear Headphones In Class “It doesn’t make sense for a teacher to dictate whether or not music is helpful to individual students, and they are in no place to decide for the student how distracting it is—perhaps restricting it could have the opposite effect.”
With both sides of the argument looked at, a possible solution could be met together in the middle. I think that airpods and headphones should be strongly discouraged during instructional time, with the teacher talking through a lesson or watching a video. But when the room is silent or loud from independent work time, the headphones should be able to be put on for personal enjoyment and focus.
