The Marist administration has changed its policy and now allows students to use their iPads in lunch periods for homework and other school-approved activities. 

At the start of the year, students were welcomed back with a new rule at lunch: iPads ‘Off and Away.’ 

“There was no technology because kids were using their iPads on things other than homework, such as social media, face time calls, and shopping,” said Coach Robert Topps, a lunch moderator.

To accommodate students who needed to use their devices during lunch time, administrators added an area just outside of the cafeteria. However, after a few months, problems arose.

“The deans designated an area outside of the lunchroom where the kids could study, but there were too many kids out there not doing homework, and they were sneaking food out there,” said Topps.

In addition to the difficulties with the homework area, students began to express their disapproval with the approach, which led to the reversal. 

“We didn’t realize how many students use their lunch time to do work due to either extracurriculars, athletics, or work,” said the Dean of Underclassmen Donald Pirkle. “We thought we would change the policy to give the students an opportunity to do that.”

The school’s decision to reinstate iPad usage at lunch has sparked mixed feelings between administrators and students alike. 

 “This is not helpful because when there were no iPads in here, kids were interacting more, kids were playing cards, and talking,” said Topps. 

Others argue that the return provides plenty of benefits for students with busy schedules.

“I like it because I am able to save time and get my work done before I get home,” said senior Samuel Popow.

“I think if the students are okay with it, it is a positive,” said Pirkle. “I understand that students have work or athletics and they use their time during lunch to get just a little work out of the way.”