Mobile phones are a significant part of nearly every student’s life. The mobile use of phones has allowed planning, mass communication and having deep conversations all from massive distances that were never thought possible. They, as many things in human history, have changed over the years.  

Phones haven’t always been around, though. Those who lived in the ‘70s had to make calls from phone booths, using the phonebooks inside for 15 cents. Alumna Julie Box lived to experience this point in the phone’s history. 

“During the ‘70s they didn’t even have internet,” Box said. “And the only computers that were used were for the rich.” 

This naturally inclined people to use payphones, typically being placed in high-traffic areas such as bus stations, airports, and most gas stations.  

“I wouldn’t even have a cell phone now if payphones still existed,” Box said. 

Biology and Drama teacher Peter Sirl has taught the students at PHS since the ‘90s. Phones, even then, have always been a part of student’s lives.  

“[Phones] started getting smaller and smaller, almost too small for people to hold onto,” Sirl said. 

 Because of this, the method used to text with the keypad turned much harder.  

“The kids were really good at it, but I wasn’t,” Sirl said. “The number one key was a, b, c, and the number two key was d, e, and f.”  

Sirl says you would need to press the same number 1-3 times to pick the letter you want.  

“The kids could do it without looking,” Sirl said. 

The prominence of phones has increased lately, Sirl explained. 

“It’s because lot of kids aren’t just texting. They’re using their phones for all kinds of things,” Sirl said. 

After this progression, touchscreen technology made its way to the modern phone, starting with IBM Simon in 1995 and progressing to the iPhone 16 + and Galaxy S24+. Almost every student seems to have some sort of smartphone. Even being integrated into everyday class learning with websites such as Blooket and Kahoot. 

One of the many students to own a phone is sophomore Noor Albermany, who not only has experienced the modern phone, but also an older model. 

“I had an old phone, when I got my first one,” Albermany said. “I wouldn’t really recommend it. The features are pretty restricted.” 

She explained the lack of texting efficiency in comparison to the modern phone.  

“In fact, I would avoid using it,” Albermany said. “But now with my new cell phone it feels like I can do almost anything. I can respond to texts immediately.”  

But because of this ability to instantaneously reply to any text, at any time. There has been noticeable concerns over the dangers of phone addiction.  

“I think it’s a real thing. I don’t feel like it’s talked about enough,” Albermany said. “I think if we brought more awareness to it, we can maybe cut down on it. It’s really taking a toll on people’s mental health.” 

Competition naturally arose due to the advances in phone technology, making two main titans in the industry: Apple vs Android. 

“Apple. All the way,” Albermany said. 

She says she has a father that that especially struggles to use it. 

“Especially at his age, I just feel like an Apple is much more convenient and easier to use,” Albermany said.