High school is a very rigorous stage of scholarly maturation. Classes are packed with discussion, reading, writing, analyzing, answering- the list goes on. For some, the only chance to come above ground and get a breath of air is lunch time. But even during this break, administrators continue to restrict students.

Electronic restrictions that govern when we can and cannot use devices were put in place to ensure a healthy learning environment. They are supposed to minimize sources of disruption in a classroom setting, so that students can learn at their optimum level.

It makes sense that I cannot use an iPod during HOA because it may disrupt the exciting material being taught, but it doesn’t make sense to be restricted during lunch.

What are we learning during this period? We all walk into the cafeteria, get in line and purchase food. Afterward we proceed to sit down at a table with some classmates and talk about how much we enjoy studying for tests. I am 1000% certain that this has become a robotic reflex and there is nothing left to learn about it.

Why are we not allowed to use cell phones or iPods during a time where there is nothing to interrupt?

Besides, playing “mine craft” on a laptop is just as disruptive, if not more disruptive, as listening to music on an iPod. And I don’t see administrators taking laptops.

Maybe South Lakes has a chronic case of “portable deviseism.”  This is a disease that causes people to hate a device simply because it is portable, forcing them to say, “I have nothing against laptops but I just hate those small devices that fit in your pocket.”

The solution to this issue is that everyone has to buy gigantic iPods the size of tables and cell-phones the size of laptops. Then everything would be okay.

Please do not mistake me for challenging the enforcement of regulations that South Lakes has in place. I truly believe that if Sally pulls out her iPad and starts playing “Angry Birds Rio” or starts texting while a teacher is teaching, it would be disruptive, and it would be appropriate for the teacher to confiscate her device.  

But once again why enforce the rule in the cafeteria?

As students we have learned that South Lakes is like an airplane. During all of our classes and in between them, the seatbelt sign is on (everything has to be off).

Maybe it’s time to turn the sign off during lunch.