Sophomore Travis Tredway estimates that he sends "about one hundred texts per day." Photo by: Michaela Moreno

By Michaela Moreno

Texting in school during passing periods can be positive or negative for Plymouth High School students. Plymouth High School students used to be warned that their cellular devices would be taken away if seen texting, but these days, texting is permitted during the five minute passing periods.

The new change in allowing students to text was made for two reasons according to Mr. Ken Olson. “First, texting is a reality of the world that we live in. I believed that after allowing music to be played on headphones during passing periods last year, this was a natural next step. The second is that it is non-instructional time and thus, not distracting people who are in class — hence the ban on texting at anytime during fourth hour — and would allow some freedom to students,” Mr. Olson said.

Many students thank the school corporation for allowing this freedom, such as sophomore Travis Tredway, who sometimes uses the opportunity when necessary. “I think that it is a great time to text, but I don’t like having to walk and text at the same time. Nor do I like others that are walking and texting. It makes me run into things and other people,” said Tredway. It is a tug of war between good and bad. Some students like the fact that the school allows them the chance to text, but at that time, it can be pretty hectic walking through crowded halls and rushed peers.

As technology grows, so does the students’ urge to text and get on social networks. Freshman Grace Hilty believes that texting is a distraction from school work. “Many students, when they are texting, are not aware of what is going on around them. So if they text in class they are not listening to the teacher nor what is being taught,” said Hilty.

There are some positive things about students texting in school. With sports, family and friends, plans are bound to change. Students like junior Bobbie Stiles want to know what is going on later in the day. Her family changes plans in a matter of seconds, and she is sometimes busy after school, so knowing what is happening later is very helpful for her. “I think it is an effective way to communicate,” Mr. Olson agreed. “Although often problematic due to the lack of context, vocal, and/or visual clues that help provide meaning to what is being said,” Mr. Olson stated.

Although there are pros and cons to texting in school, it can be concluded that texting is a regular habit that Plymouth High School will have to manage.