It’s no mystery that social anxiety is becoming more of a recurring issue within our generation. Many are quick to blame this on students’ phones and social media. Is this still a valid argument now that this new state-wide phone policy has been implemented here in Virginia? What are the options available for students who deal with anxiety?
School educators and parents like to put the blame for students’ mental health on phones and social media. While there is evidence to support this, we can’t put all of the blame on technology. “Being able to not communicate or talk to anybody during the day makes me absolutely antsy,” said Liam Seay, a 10th grader at Stafford High School. Students have vocalized that the bustling environment of school plays a huge factor in their anxious tendencies during the school day. From the overcrowded hallways during transition times, to the packed cafeterias, it can all be very overwhelming for students.
On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a new executive order stating the ban of students’ devices in school with limited exceptions and strict punishment. These exceptions are “For students with medical needs to access their devices and for emergency communication,” (E0 33, pg. 3).
However, in his order, there are no stated exceptions for students with mental health issues such as anxiety. Anxiety is not typically seen as a medical issue, however, some students may have conditions on the more severe side of things.
More severe symptoms could be ones such as anxiety attacks, hyperventilating, intense and prolonged worry, nausea, and depression. These students may find it important or significant to be able to use their personal devices such as their phone or wireless earbuds as a distraction from anxiety inducing factors. Or at the very least, to be able to contact a parent/guardian when having an anxiety attack.
One of the biggest coping mechanisms for people with anxiety is music. According to the University of Nevada, “A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. Music is effective for relaxation and stress management.” Music therapy is proved to have a calming or focusing effect for people. If a student is dealing with anxiety and needs to calm themselves, why does our Governor have the right to deny anxious students one of the biggest methods of coping?
While Chromebooks are provided by schools and are available for use, along with the use of wired headphones, it is not always possible to use or carry around a chrome book at certain points in the day. A phone and wireless earbuds provides easy access and easier transportation for this method. Exceptions like these for our anxious students would be extremely beneficial for them.