In the classroom and in the hallways, students are using AirPods. Photo courtesy of freshmen Taryn Weller.

  Students at San Luis Obispo High School listen to music all day long, but AirPods aren’t allowed in most classes.

  Listening to music has proven to actually reduce stress as it helps students concentrate and stay focused on tasks at hand. 

Teachers, you taking notes?

  “Sound therapies have long been popular as a way of relaxing and restoring one’s health. For centuries, indigenous cultures have used music to enhance well-being and improve health conditions,” said writer and activist Melanie Curtin.

  Some may argue that students who wear AirPods in class aren’t able to pay attention or listen well, but students are actually very good at multitasking. 

  Most people with anxiety experience derealization, or detachment from their surroundings, but listening to music helps ground them and alleviate the stressful nature of the situation. 

  “[AirPods] help students focus when they can’t focus or don’t have the ability to,” said freshman Alexia Suarez.

  At SLOHS, AirPods are prohibited, yet some teachers allow their students to wear them, which is appreciated. Other teachers however, don’t allow them and will confiscate the AirPods if they see students wearing them. 

  “I feel like it depends on the student but personally yes [I think you should be able to wear AirPods in class],” said sophomore Charles Cummins. 

  Many students share Cummin’s opinion that AirPods should be allowed in class. Students who want to wear AirPods, or those who use music to alleviate stress find comfort in listening to music, and for some, not listening to music decreases their focus in class. 

  AirPods have proven to be helpful to students, so why not allow them?

  Source: inc.com