MLEC implemented a rule last year banning headphones in classrooms and hallways. It wasn’t a total shock, given recent bans on cell phones and outside drinks, but many were still baffled. MLEC saw a drastic change. Students quickly learned to keep their headsets hidden or leave them at home. However, not many understood why the regulation was implemented.
The rule began as part of the “Heads Up, Phones Down!” campaign gaining traction in Miami-Dade. Robert Morgan Educational Center was one of the first to implement the change. According to them, the campaign aims to address health and safety concerns associated with headphones and cell phones.
In MLEC, the ban on headphones has been difficult for many to grasp. This is largely because music between classes once served as a motivator to students. According to a 2019 study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, music activates reward centers in the brain, making students feel more at ease and driven. Additionally, research by the Ryerson University Department of Psychology supports this idea, suggesting that music effectively reduces anxiety.
“It’s just music. It calms you down, it puts you in a good mood. You’re still gonna get to class on time,” said freshman Michael Caceres.
Other schools have not yet felt the impact of this movement. Barbara Goleman Senior High School and MAST @ FIU, for example, continue to allow students on campus to use their devices during passing periods.
“I can’t imagine MAST implementing something like that. It’s so… controlling. We have banned phones in lunch and class, but in the halls? That’s too far,” said MAST junior Shemar Alcindor.
At MLEC, some teachers still allow music in their classrooms during independent work, even playing it themselves for their students. Their main concern isn’t the music, it’s the consuming nature of phones.
“The ban is necessary. For me, what I see is a lot of distraction that happens with the headsets. In the event of an emergency, a safety issue, students are not aware of their surroundings. … Sometimes, I’ll allow my students to do work with music, as long as my work gets done, and I see there’s been no impact due to the music,” said psychology teacher Mrs. Luces.
Many agree that cell phones can be all-consuming. One possible solution to students’ rebellion against headphones could be increased communication about the reasoning behind new policies. A large portion of MLEC students aren’t aware of the ongoing campaign, which largely affects their stance.
“It really depends on the person, but overall, when a ban like this is imposed with little-to-no warning, it can quickly decrease the quality of every school day,” said Music Club President Sheldon Gunnes.
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