Original subtitles

[Mr. Tanaka] ...and in 1871,

Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern

and started the Great Chicago Fire,

destroying the entire city.

-[phone chiming] -Oops.

Sorry. So, so sorry.

Okay, where was I? Um...

Cow. Fire. Go.

-[phone chimes] -Ms. Rozalski,

what could possibly be more important

than the tragic destruction of one of our greatest cities?

"Chimichangas for lunch today."

They run out if you don't get there right away,

which let me tell you, is pretty tragic.

[phone chimes]

Now what?

"Can you believe he read Olive's texts?"

You know what? This a perfect time for you to hear about our new phone policy.

-What new policy? -I'll tell you.

Whoa! Vice Principal Virmani.

Where'd he come from?

It's my job to be everywhere.

Let me introduce you to the phone pouch.

You put your phone in here in the morning, lock it,

and at the end of the day, we open it for you.

-[gasps, murmurs] -Wait. All day?

We won't be able to use our phones for the whole day?

This is the worst disaster ever!

Seriously?

This can't be legal.

I'm going to talk to my mom.

She's a lawyer and on the Parent School Committee.

Actually, it was your mom's idea.

That sounds about right.

In fact, the Parent School Committee

is voting to approve funds tonight.

And trust me, it gives me no joy taking things from students.

Well, I'm off to tell the next class!

[bell ringing]

Here you go.

Enjoy them while you can.

Guys, what are we gonna do?

People say you can live without your phone,

but has it ever been proven?

Don't worry. My dad's on the Parent School Committee.

I'm sure I can convince him to vote against it.

-[phone chimes] -Guys. More bad news.

They're almost out of chimichangas!

[theme music playing]

♪ Like father, like daughter We don't always agree ♪

♪ But looking at you Is like looking at me ♪

♪ The more things change The more they stay the same ♪

♪ Like father, like daughter From different times ♪

♪ Taking all the best From your decade and mine ♪

♪ The more things change ♪

♪ The more they stay the same ♪

♪ The more they stay the same ♪

Dad, Dad! You've got to do something.

Can I do something after my chip and dip hour?

I was just about to dip my chip.

No, the school wants to take away our phones.

For the whole day!

Well, that does seem pretty drastic.

Right? It's a total overreaction.

I mean, if I'm late to class,

I get detention. I don't get expelled.

Have you been late to class?

Dad, I said "If."

Seriously, Tiff, that dress was straight fire.

Hey, whatever's going on here, I'm on Syd's side.

They're trying to ban cell phones at school.

What? I would never let anyone take my phone.

I use it for all sorts of important stuff at school.

[Sydney] Exactly.

I manage my schedule, take notes,

take pictures of my assignments on the board.

Find out if campus police are breaking up the party I'm heading to.

Not helping, Grandma.

Gotcha, Noodle.

Hey, Tiff, I found out hottie Officer Kurt might be working tonight.

Would you go dress or jeans for questioning?

Syd, I agree. Your phone should not be taken away.

Your grandmother's should.

In that case, maybe you could say something tonight at the meeting.

I'd be happy to. This phone ban is completely unreasonable.

Really? Thank you.

Of course Syd, I'm always looking out for you.

You just won Dad Of The Year.

It was only one vote,

-but it won by a landslide. -[chuckles]

Well, I'd better get prepared for my speech.

And don't worry, I'm not gonna "phone it in."

Yeah, get that all out now.

What's going on here?

Hello, Vice Principal Virmani.

Leo Webb. You remember me?

I worked in the office for two weeks and...

brightened every morning with a song.

I don't know, a lot of kids come through there.

So Mr. Reynolds, I'm sure you're aware

of our new zero-tolerance policy on riding skateboards at school.

Hand it over.

I wasn't riding.

I was just holding it.

You skateboarders.

You think the rules don't apply to you.

You go around jumping curbs, hopping benches.

Saying words like "tubular."

Mr. Virmani,

Max happens to be a very good friend of mine,

and if he says-- I'm out.

Mr. Reynolds, I'm waiting.

You'll get this back when you learn your lesson.

-What does that mean? -Let's not be coy.

What does that mean?

Sorry, Max. I tried.

And to think I sang for that man.

And in conclusion, if we want our kids

to learn self-control with their phones, we should teach them.

Not take away the very thing we want them

to learn control over!

Wow, he nailed it.

Hey, I just gave him the idea. He made it soar.

-What about the table pound? -All him.

Thank you, Max. Excellent points.

But are you aware of the recent studies

that show cell phone usage in school

can lead to a five percent drop in test scores?

I did not know that.

Are you also aware that when they took away phones at a school in England,

the lack of distractions was equal to an extra week of schooling?

I did not know that either.

I'd like to call on Mr. Tanaka

to give us the teacher's perspective on this issue.

[together] Oh no.

Mr. Tanaka, have phones posed a problem in your classroom?

Are you kidding?

Just this morning, I had to take phones from three students,

all because of chimichangas.

[murmuring]

I move we vote.

All those in favor of funding the phone pouches for the school,

raise your hand.

Don't worry. Sophia's mom made a strong case.

But so did my dad.

All those opposed?

Well, it's two votes for and two against.

Looks like it's all up to you, Max.

Uh...

Can I abstain?

Yea, or nay, Max?

[whispering together] Nay. Nay. Nay!

Ye...

N-N-N...

Max.

Yea. I support the phone ban.

-[murmuring] -What?

I don't know why Professor Johnson got so salty.

All I said was a man bun over a bald spot just doesn't work.

I can't believe you caved at that meeting.

Syd, I did not cave.

I have no idea what's going on, but Syd's making some very good points.

I'll catch you up. I'm right, he's wrong.

Look, I listened to the arguments the other parents made

about phones in school and they made a lot of sense to me.

But you're the one who has to give up your phone.

And the students didn't even get a voice in this.

Besides, what happened to looking out for me?

Syd, as a parent, sometimes looking out for you

means making choices that are good for you,

even though you may not like them.

Well, I don't.

This is so unfair.

Okay.

Now I get what you guys were arguing about.

Still on Syd's side.

Where have you been?

I've been driving around the neighborhood looking for you.

I got a lot done, but I was still worried.

I had to walk home from school!

The vice principal took my skateboard!

-What did you do? -Nothing this time.

I was just holding it. I wasn't even riding it.

He's telling the truth, Judy.

-Can I call you Judy? -Never.

Look Max, if he took away your skateboard, he must have had a good reason.

But he didn't.

And now I may never get my board back.

I'm sorry Max, but that man did me a favor taking your skateboard.

He saved me from having to accidentally back over it with the car.

That's it. We're sneaking into Virmani's office

and getting my board back.

He's left me no choice.

What are you doing?

Practicing for detention.

And after the Chicago fire,

the city was rebuilt in three short years.

Wow.

I just got through a whole class without one phone going off.

Look at me now, Mom.

[bell rings]

I can't stand this. My phone just vibrated.

Is it a text? Is it a call?

Or does it just miss me?

I miss you, too.

Guys, wait.

I gotta pack up all my apps.

My calendar. Calculator.

-[door closes] -Address book.

Dictionary. Flashlight. And an instant camera.

And when this develops, I'll know if I got the whole assignment.

Yippee!

This is impossible.

It's no fun expressing my feelings without my phone.

I had to make emoji flashcards.

What are you feeling now?

I've got to find a way to convince my dad to go back to the committee

and change their minds.

How are you gonna do that?

I'll just have to show him how it feels when someone decides what's good for you and you don't get a say.

What's the dolphin for?

Aw, man! I meant the thumbs up emoji.

I can't live like this!

Hey, Dad. Glad you're home. How was work?

It was a tough day. I'm really looking forward to my chip and dip hour.

-No hard feelings about the phone? -Not at all.

Hey, where's my chips?

Well, Dad. I got to reading the package

and those chips are just so high in fat and salt.

I know. That's why I love them.

I'm just looking out for you.

And that's why I bought you these delicious seaweed snacks.

Seaweed snacks?

Isn't that just a fancy name for fish food?

You know, as a daughter,

looking out for you sometimes means making choices you may not like.

You know what I'm saying?

Loud and clear.

So I'm guessing my multi-layered dip is--

-In the garbage. -Hmm...

Okay, I know what you're doing here, Sydney.

And I just want to say...

-Thank you. -What?

If feels good to have someone looking out for me.

Bleck. It's stuck on my tongue.

Okay, so the snacks didn't get Dad to change his mind

but this should break him. You know how Dad gets without his coffee.

He's like an angry badger being poked with a stick.

Hey! Have you tried poking him with a stick?

-Morning Syd, Mom. -Good morning.

Hey, what happened to all the coffee?

Well, you know, Dad, I was thinking you drink way too much coffee.

-Just looking out for you. -You know? You're right.

Once again, you have saved me from myself.

-Thank you. -You are so, so welcome.

Now let me get you some breakfast.

Fine. How about some French toast and bacon?

Actually, now that you have me thinking about my health,

I've been thinking...

about yours.

No need. I feel good.

But French toast is loaded with so much sugar.

Instead...

I made you...

a pitcher of Dr. Max's special breakfast juice.

Kale, turnips,

garlic, and seven different fish oils.

'Cause I'm always...

looking out for you.

Sounds delicious, Dad.

But if it's so good for me,

it must be good for you, too.

You should have some.

Huh?

Okay. [chuckles]

Maybe a little.

Mom, you wanna get in on this?

No, thanks. I'm just enjoying my coffee.

[sniffs] Oh, I sense notes of blackberry,

chocolate, and what is that?

Oh, heaven.

Luckily, I have my glass of Dr. Max's.

Yum.

Bottom's up.

Wow. That tasted so...

healthy.

Who needs that delicious cup of coffee that you enjoy every morning?

I don't.

And who needs banana stuffed French toast with caramelized brown sugar?

-Am I right? -Totally.

Not when I got this wonderful,

-garlicky breakfast drink. -Hmm...

And I so enjoy that fishy kick.

Well, I'd better go.

Here, Grandma.

Let me help you dump out this still hot cup

of fresh roasted joy down the drain.

Bye, bye, coffee.

Stop! Stop, stop, stop!

I need my coffee. You win. I need my coffee.

Yes! [laughing]

Wow, that was fun. We should do this more often.

You know, Syd. You proved your point.

People making choices for you is not very fun.

-Thank you. -But that doesn't mean

I've changed my mind about cell phones.

-Let me give you some more juice. -No... [chuckles] No more juice.

Look, you were right.

Student voices deserve to be heard.

So at the next Parent Committee meeting, I will make sure you kids get your say.

Thanks, Dad!

-Let's get some real breakfast. -I'll get the coffee from the basement.

I'll get the bacon from the garage.

Told you Vice Principal Virmani wouldn't be here.

-How'd you know that? -Because every day at 2:08,

he grabs a cookie off Doris the guidance counselor's desk.

-How'd you know that? -Because every day at 2:08,

I grab a cookie off Doris's desk. Okay, I'll find my skateboard. You keep a lookout.

The panic word is...

-flamingo. -Got it.

Don't get it, but I got it.

Jackpot!

And I think this dude's selling staplers on the side.

Flamingo!

Hide!

Quick! Under the desk!

[phone beeps]

Hey, Hal. What's up?

A cloud that looks like a choo-choo train?

Wow, I'll take a look.

Is it left or right of the poodle?

Yes, there's a poodle!

[whispering] Let's get outta here.

Mr. Virmani?

Judy Reynolds.

My mom?

Double flamingo!

Ms. Reynolds, come in.

[in deep voice] We'll settle this later.

I understand that you took my son's skateboard away from him,

and I wanna thank you for that.

But then I thought about it, and it's time he got it back.

I'm sorry, but we have a very strict policy

against riding them on campus.

Max says he wasn't riding it.

Well, you know these skateboarders.

They'll tell you anything.

He's not just a skateboarder.

He's my son, and I believe Max.

[whispering] Did you hear that?

[whispering] First time for everything.

Trust me... [chuckles]

I know when my son is lying to me.

And this time, he's not lying. So can I have his skateboard?

-I'm sorry, but-- -Before you answer, look in my eyes.

Do I look like the kind of mother you really want to say no to?

And if you're waiting for me to blink,

it's not gonna happen.

Now, where's that skateboard?

Oh, here it is.

And I'm sorry about the mix-up.

Allow me to walk you out.

I'd love your opinion on a cloud.

-Come on, let's get out of here. -Wait.

Yep, that's a choo-choo train.

"And in conclusion,

cell phones allow us to have the world at our fingertips.

They improve time management and make us better students."

That was great, Sydney.

Thanks. But what if they don't take me seriously?

I mean, I'm just a kid.

Not always a mature one.

I still giggle when I hear the word doodie.

[giggling]

You said doodie.

Hello, girls.

Congratulations, Sydney.

I hear you're speaking at the meeting tonight.

-Although I doubt you'll change anyone-- -[phone chiming]

What was I saying?

Oh yeah, see you tonight.

It's not fair.

Mr. Tanaka's just as distracted by his phone as we are.

And no one takes his.

You know what?

I think I just came up with an idea that'll help change their minds.

Use your words, Sophia.

Okay, next item on the agenda,

Max Reynolds has asked to speak.

-Max? -Thank you.

But I would like to give the floor

to someone who usually doesn't get a say in our decisions...

an actual student. Sydney?

Whoo!

Thank you, Mister... Dad.

I'm here on behalf of my fellow students to discuss the cell phone ban.

Okay, Kayla. Text your mom.

Now, we all know that cell phones can be a complicated issue.

And I won't deny that they are very distracting.

[phone chimes]

Hey, what are you doing? That's mine.

I'm sorry, but we have a no-phone policy at this school.

And I'm sure you, the adult, would want to set a good example for us kids.

-As I was saying... -[quietly] Jimmy, you're up.

Research shows phones impact our ability to focus.

[phone chimes]

Hey!

And I just wanna say one more thing.

[whispering] Everybody, it's go time.

Text them all.

[phones chiming]

Hey! That's my grandma!

Please, it's a confirmation for your pizza order.

That's a lot of meat.

-I'll take that. -Oh, please, Sophia.

It's me, it's Mommy!

Everybody! You'll get your phones back.

But I think what we've all shown here tonight

is that we all struggle with our phones.

And we'll never learn self-control if they're taken away. So please, patience, not pouches.

Whoo!

-I move for a revote. -[whooping]

Wow, that's so awesome.

Like I said, I'll always be looking out for you.

Thanks, Dad.

-Hey, Mom. -Hi, Max.

I've got a little surprise for you.

You do?

What?

You got my skateboard back?

I went to VP Virmani and charmed it out of him.

Really? Thanks for having my back, Mom.

-Now I can go back to skating. -Absolutely.

-In a month. -Wait.

-You said the vice principal was wrong. -He was.

And so were you for sneaking into his office.

What? I wasn't in the vice principal's office.

Remember when I told him I can tell when you're lying?

-Yeah. -Gotcha.

Gah!

Thanks again for having my back, Dad.

All I did was let you talk.

You're the one that got the board to vote five to zero

to let the kids keep their phones.

-But-- -I know.

If we use them in class, they get pouched.

Yes, it's a verb now.

Did I ever tell you about the time

my skateboard was taken away by Vice Principal Virmani?

He was vice principal when you were there?

Wow, he is way overdue for a promotion.

You know, this was a good idea,

putting our phones away and just getting to talk.

Yeah, I don't need to be on my phone all the time.

[phone buzzing]

I mean, look. One of our phones just vibrated.

And do we care? Nope.

Not at all. We're not obsessed.

[phone buzzing]

-[phone buzzing] -What's that combination? Nine, seven...

I am five seconds from getting a hammer.

[man] Oh, yeah!