As technology advances, the device in our pockets has become impossible to ignore. With Virginia’s phone ban in effect, students and staff at BHS are rethinking just how much power their phones hold over them.

Since Virginia implemented its phone ban, curiosity about our relationship with technology has spiked. Have phones truly taken over our lives, or is that a dramatized observation?

Students at BHS see phones as something holding them back from achieving different objectives.

“My phone takes away my joy and activities. It makes me have a sedentary lifestyle,” said freshman Jiyahna Brown. 

Former BHS student Riley Gruner agrees, “My phone takes away the time that could have been used to be productive.”

Even staff aren’t immune. Mr. Tejada, a history teacher, admits that with just an hour of screen time daily, he still battles the pull of his phone — though he says reducing it has made life better.

When asked whether they would take up screen time as an option, many students felt negative about it.

“No, at least not by choice.” Says Junior Gabriel Newbill.

Mr. Tejada felt differently about the question, feeling as though “Life gets better.”

Though BHS students were aware of the downsides of having phones with them, they were also quick to point out what they value most about having them.

Jiyahna believes communication is important. “I like to feel safe, and without it I feel alone.” Riley adds on to that: “I enjoy having connections with my friends and family.”

As BHS students and staff debate whether phones do more harm than good, one thing is certain: the 2026–27 school year will bring major changes to the rules. Whether it changes minds remains to be seen.