In an effort to increase communication and attentiveness in students, Judson High School has enacted a new headphone policy that bans the usage of headphones on campus. 

Many students felt like this was a punishment and completely unnecessary. As a campus – and generation – we’ve grown used to the privilege of headphones from popping them in on our way to class to wearing them around the cafeteria to enjoy music during lunch.

We’ve developed a dependency on our headphones and technology whether it be for our mental health or just focusing. However, they may not be as beneficial as we think they are.

The administration made a problematic decision to ban all headphones from campus after feeling like they were putting a strain on the social aspect of Judson. 

“I see that headphones became a nuisance at Judson High School because students were too centered and focused on what was going on between their ears. It’s become a safety issue, an academic issue, and an interpersonal communication issue,” Principal Jesus Hernandez said. 

According to a Plos One article, “[Research] shows that music training can modify reading and phonological abilities even when these skills are severely impaired.” While music training is more of a specific for individuals who study music, this can be said for individuals who consistently listen to music. In theory, their music boosts their psychological abilities as a whole.

Academically, headphones could make school even more difficult than it already is. If it’s not Beethoven or Chopin, the words in your music could lead you to focus less on your work and more on what your favorite artist has to say.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “Listening to music with lyrics was linked to lower scores on tests of concentration in a study of 102 college students.” The correlation between music and test scores shows that music is not necessary for a student’s concentration.

Therefore, using headphones may seem like a helpful companion we can always rely on. However, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of making this tough, problematic decision better for the students in the long run.