SmartPass is an app being implemented in some Massachusetts schools. It tracks how long students are out of class for, essentially functioning as a digital hall pass. It allows students to leave class without having to ask their teachers in the middle of a lesson, and it gives them a window of time to go where they need to. While some think this new app could have benefits, others think it could be even worse.
PROS
Naomi Bloom
Managing Editor
According to the SmartPass website, this app is the “ultimate solution for hallway management,” capable of increasing time spent in class, preventing vaping, and improving the overall safety of the school.
A helpful aspect of this app is that, depending on where students are going and the distance they need to go, students can change the amount of time (within a range) needed in the hall. Students will also be able to leave class without having to ask their teacher and disrupting the lesson, which is not only beneficial for those still in class, but can also ease students’ anxiety about asking a teacher for permission to leave.
There is also a feature that can prevent certain students from being in the hall at the same time as another, preventing hall fights. This is not a very common occurrence at AHS, but it is still a useful feature nonetheless.
One worry that some students and parents in schools where SmartPass has already been implemented have is that the app can track their location. However, it cannot do that, and it simply takes note of the time and what type of place the student inputs (ex. bathroom, nurse, etc.).
While SmartPass may not seem like it would solve the problem of students vaping in bathrooms, it has potential to do so. There is a feature where students can anonymously report vaping to administrators through the app, which could significantly decrease this issue. The anonymity could help encourage students to speak up. And, finally, this app could reduce paper waste. Think of how many passes get used each day, around one per student on average. 180 days of school for about 1,800 students leads to a whopping 324,000 passes. The passes are small, but they add up.
This app may not be perfect, but it’s still a start. It is already being used by over 500,000 students, so it’s worth giving it a chance. And although electronic, at the end of the day, the app is controlled by people with empathy and understanding.
CONS
Jocelyn Barton
ONLINE EDITOR
Imagine this: being in class, needing to go to the restroom, and asking the teacher for a pass. Instead, you are asked to car- ry a device that counts down the time you are able to use the restroom. Potentially, this could be the future of AHS. SmartPass is an app where teachers are in digital control of their students’ freedom outside the classroom. Such an app could be implemented in place of paper hallway passes. “It’s horrible. That’s an invasion of our privacy,” said Anya Gupta, senior and student, who has used bathroom passes throughout her four years at AHS. “It makes me uncomfortable.”
With this app, administrators may hope to put an end to the persistent problem of vaping in bathrooms. However, it would be unfair that an app is being forced upon the entire student body because of a handful of uncooperative students. Administrators implementing a temporary fix for a recurring problem would not reach the root of the matter. So with this app, vaping would undoubtedly remain a problem.
The app does not account for the fact that some people may need more time outside of class than others. This app does not take into account students who have health issues such as IBS, excretory problems, or menstrual cramps. Some students also need mental health breaks throughout the day.
“You have to put into perspective that some of those kids need to take those laps,” said Adelaide Weeden, senior at AHS.
For some, these brain breaks are a lifeline for students who struggle with their mental health. In addition, everyone needs a break at some point. Taking a break during class deter- mines the difference between a stressful, unfocused day and a calm one. An app cannot answer the complex needs of stu- dents, and if such an app were at AHS, faculty should take into account a variety of experiences beyond what the app allows for.
