The Value of 320 Distraction Free Minutes

Most people have strong opinions about technology in the classroom. Phone usage in schools is at the forefront of parents', teachers', and administrators' minds. There are weekly headlines about new research on teenage screen time and schools adopting no-phone policies.

Common questions teachers, parents, and school admins are wrestling with include:

• Is technology in the classroom a powerful learning tool or a constant distraction?
• Should classrooms go back to paper-and-pencil notes? Should students only submit handwritten work?
• Do phones help learning or undermine it entirely?

The right question isn’t whether technology belongs in the classroom, but how it is used in the classroom. LuHi Administration has spent hours deliberating over this question, and here’s where we’ve landed:

A LuHi Classroom Is 40 Minutes of Distraction-Free Learning

At its core, a LuHi classroom is designed to be face-to-face, engaging, and focused. A LuHi classroom is a highly relational environment. For 40 minutes, six times a day, students are expected to be present - both mentally and physically - to learn.

Technology absolutely has a place in that environment. But only when it enhances learning, not when it competes with it. That’s the principle that shapes our technology policy.

Our Philosophy on Technology

LuHi is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school. Students may bring and use their device of choice, including cell phones, during the school day. We are not a 1:1 school, nor do we provide student devices, except in courses where computers are essential.

We use Canvas as our learning management system, and students often submit assignments electronically. Canvas and online submissions match their future college experience.

In short: Technology is a valuable tool. Focused learning is the priority.

Device Usage in the Classroom: Teacher-Guided, Purpose-Driven

Technology needs to serve the teacher’s goals. That’s why device usage is always at the teacher’s discretion.

Teachers may:

• Ask students to place phones in a wall-mounted caddy or basket.
• Require devices to be out of sight.
• Approve device use only for specific learning activities.

Our simple rule is this: If it’s not helping you learn, it shouldn’t be out.

Phones are never used for recreational purposes during class. The phrase, “You may use your phones now,” is not part of our classroom culture. Just as in a professional work environment, students are expected to be focused, engaged, and respectful of the learning space.

Technology still has a place in schools

When thoughtfully integrated, technology offers real benefits. Here are 4:

1. Personalized Learning: Technology allows teachers to adapt instruction to different learning styles. Visual learners benefit from videos and simulations; audio learners from lectures or podcasts; advanced students can be challenged, while others receive extra support.
2. Stronger Research Skills: Today’s students will always have access to information. Students who learn to move beyond surface-level searches and engage with credible, peer-reviewed sources develop research skills that remain essential no matter how technology evolves.
3. Engagement Without Distraction: Engagement matters. Great teachers know how to keep students involved, curious, and thinking. Interactive tools, simulations, and digital platforms can enhance lessons when used intentionally. We avoid replacing deep thinking with constant stimulation.
4. Preparation for College and Career: College professors expect students to manage their own devices responsibly. So do employers. High school is the bridge between structured middle school environments and the independent expectations of adulthood. One of the most important skills high schools teach is responsible technology use.

A note about screen time awareness and family partnership

We also recognize what current research makes clear: elevated screen time is not healthy for our teenagers.

For that reason, we fully support families who choose to restrict their students’ phones to lockers or opt out of giving their students a phone altogether. Students who want to reduce phone distractions are encouraged to use alternative devices that limit constant notifications and social media access.

The Bottom Line

Distraction is a major issue facing students. Technology’s rightful place is to be used as a tool. A help, not a crutch. LuHi believes students learn best when they are:

• Present
• Engaged
• Challenged
• Known by their teachers

Our highly talented teachers use technology with intention, boundaries, and purpose. Every 40 minutes of class matters. That’s how we prepare students to master technology, not let it master them.

Parent FAQ

Can my student bring a phone to school?

Yes. Lutheran High School is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) campus. Students may bring phones and other devices to school and may use them during passing periods, lunch, and study halls.

Are phones allowed in the classroom?

Phones are not used in class unless a teacher specifically approves their use for learning. During class, teachers may:

• Require phones to be placed in a caddy or basket
• Ask that phones remain out of sight
• Allow devices only for a specific, teacher-directed activity

Our goal is simple: 40 minutes of distraction-free learning in every classroom.

How do teachers enforce this consistently?

Teachers are given autonomy to enforce a distraction-free classroom environment. Because we hire highly talented teachers, they are capable of navigating this space as they see best. Administration provides support, suggestions, and structure when needed.

If phones are limited, how do students submit work digitally?

Students often submit assignments through Canvas, our learning management system, using laptops, tablets, or approved devices. Phones are not required for academic success at LuHi.

Why not just ban phones entirely?

We believe high school is the right place to teach responsible device use, not avoid it altogether. We also value parents' ability to communicate directly with their students during the school day, if needed.

Students will be expected to manage devices independently in college and in the workplace. LuHi helps students build that skill within clear, consistent boundaries.

What if I don’t want my student using a phone at school at all?

We fully support families who choose to:

• Have their student keep a phone in their locker
• Not give their student a phone

Originally published in 2020, updated for accuracy in 2026.