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Cell phone bans

Posted by Paul Haggett on August 29, 2024 at 2:09pm

Hello fellow board officers:

Our board is beginning to get some pressure from our teachers union concerning a ban on the use of cell phones during the school day.

I personally tend to agree with the idea.  I've heard news stories, read articles and heard first-person accounts of the benefits of banning phone use.  I'm also aware that the governor is considering implementing this from the top, like other states have. 

Our current policy allows for the use of phones policed by teachers, with consequences for unauthorized use.

How are other districts handling this issue?

If your district has moved to a ban on phones, how did implementation go?  Was there significant blowback from students or parents?

If your district still allows phone use, are you looking at revising that policy?  Are you waiting for Gov. Hochul to decide?  Have your educators weighed in?

Thanks, all!
Paul Haggett, Massena CSD

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Replies

  • Joseph Beyrouty September 17, 2024 at 3:38pm
    We just rolled out an initiative that soft-banned cell phone usage in the HS. Students are required to place their devices in the cubby by the teacher and can retrieve it at the end of class. It's being strictly enforced.

    The teachers love it and said that the kids are less distracted and are very attentive. It's been allowed for use in the hallway and cafeteria. It's done so well that the teachers are hoping we ban them in the cafeteria too because it still seems that the devices cause issues (e.g., online bullying and less social interaction).

    The goal is to next roll it out to the Middle School, but timing is TBD.
  • Paul Haggett September 17, 2024 at 11:30am
    That sounds like a great session, Lauren! We’ll have three BOE members in NYC, so one of us will be sure to attend!
  • Lauren Themis September 17, 2024 at 6:35am
    Our district implemented a ban last year and it’s been going very well. We have a bell to bell ban in elementary and MS where all devices, including watches are kept in a backpack or locker. Our HS students can only access their phones during free periods and lunch but our goal is to be completely phone free in the future. We had the most success by presenting data and facts to the community and sharing the negative effects on their learning environment and development. It’s been a district wide initiative that has included all our parent councils etc. We include our messaging at every event including parents and consistency is key. Our superintendent and principals will be presenting at the annual conference in October for the NYSSBA. Come and join us!
  • Kerry Wachter September 13, 2024 at 11:28am
    We currently have a ban in place for our middle school. It was a little rough in the beginning but they adjusted. Strict enforcement is key! Our high school is not on a ban. We do have open campus and it's up to the teacher if they will have the students leave the phones in a cubby or pouch in the front of the classroom. I would implore my colleagues here do not ask for the governor to put a ban in place. As leaders in our districts/communities, this is something you can manage with your stakeholders. A one size fits all policy is not the answer. The state is very large with very differing needs by region. Do not abdicate your authority on this decision or any other. Gather the facts, engage your community and make a decision as a Board of Education, it is what we were elected to do!
  • Emily Steinbach September 9, 2024 at 10:11am
    We introduced it at the middle school last year. The board was very supportive and it’s going well, positives feedback from community and staff. Here’s some info on the policy and implementation and outcomes. https://egcsd.org/2024/01/25/goff-cell-phone-policy-leads-to-improv...

    Hope it helps! -Emily, East Greenbush CSD
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