It has been one month into the 2025-2026 school year and the year has been nothing short of different with the implementations of new policies. Many agree that the new Distraction Free Education and the school-issued Chromebook policies have the most significant impact on students.
In June 2025, the Forsyth County Board of Education passed the Distraction Free Education Policy. This policy prohibits the usage of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day for all grade levels, with the exception of high schools permitting students to use their devices during lunch. Ms. Smoot, who teaches Honors 9th Literature, AP Literature, and Yearbook, notes that the policy has had a positive effect on her students.
“I have definitely seen an improvement in students having authentic interactions together,” she explained. “They’re having discussions, mostly on topics for what we’re talking about in class.”…