Headphone use at Grant High School has consistently been a point of contention in the classroom. The current policy, in place since the 2024–25 school year, prohibits the use of all types of headphones at school. This year, students have had trouble determining the true regulations due to inconsistencies in enforcement.

Grant Principal James McGee says that the policy is partially in place because headphones can compromise students’ safety, and that restricting the use of headphones is a precaution for emergencies. “Now, as far as the safety is concerned, we’re not going to wait until something happens to change the policy,” says McGee. His main concern is that students using any type of headphones will not be aware of their surroundings and react accordingly in an emergency.

Giving full attention in class without auditory distractions is key to a successful learning environment. However, sophomore English teacher Hannah Fisher doesn’t necessarily discourage the use of headphones, noting that they can often be used as a tool. “There are times when I don’t mind headphones, but I’d prefer them to plug into Chromebooks instead of being Bluetooth ones,” she says.

Although Fisher has seen a decrease in inappropriate use of headphones, some of her students still often use technology when not permitted. “There are certainly still times … more so with headphones than phones, where I still see students engaging with technology when they shouldn’t,” she says. Some students have a Section 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program with accommodations that authorize them to use headphones. Fisher notes that the policy has created some confusion for students with these accommodations. “I know it can be an uphill battle for them,” she says. “Sometimes (they need) to clarify with teachers that they do have the ability to have those headphones.”

Bill Wilson, a Grant chemistry teacher, has noticed an improvement in students’ engagement and socialization in class since the policy was introduced. Wilson says that his students were more inclined to use headphones in class before the policy was introduced because they brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. “There’s a tendency in human nature that if we’re nervous in certain settings, that you do what you want comfort from, and often that can be something like putting your headphones in and disconnecting from those around you,” he says.

Wilson also recalls the headphone policy being confusing at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. “I specifically asked Mr. McGee at that time, because it wasn’t clear to me about the headphone policy, and he reiterated that headphones …needed to be put away,” he says. Wilson says that since its implementation, the policy has changed his classroom to consist of “highly engaged students.” He says, “Ultimately, as a teacher, when I have (a) student in class, I’m responsible to try and get them to learn as best as I can. I can’t make people work, but I think having sensible policies around electronic devices or headphones (supports) me in trying to move that student forward in learning.”

Fisher acknowledges that the adjustment the policy forces students to make may be difficult, but emphasizes that it is meant to benefit students and teachers alike. “I understand why the student perspective on this issue might be different,” she says.“From a teacher perspective, the thing I would want students to think about is that it is not necessarily that we hate music and hate them for needing music to focus. It’s more about our desire to just try to keep everyone on track.”