New York Schools Implement Cellphone Restrictions to Combat Bullying

As New York schools prepare for the new cellphone restrictions mandated by state law, several districts are already seeing positive results. The legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul goes into effect for the upcoming school year, establishing a “bell-to-bell” rule that limits cellphone use during school hours. One district leading the charge is the Cambridge Central School District, which adopted a similar policy last year.

According to Ralph Harrington, the secondary associate principal at Cambridge, the impact of the cellphone policy has been significant. He reported that disciplinary referrals related to cellphone use have dropped to virtually zero. Before implementing these rules, bullying and harassment incidents proliferated, with students recording and sharing videos of one another, leading to widespread humiliation. Harrington noted that once students adjusted to the new policy, these issues diminished dramatically.

The approach taken by Cambridge involved extensive research and community engagement. Harrington and his team examined policies from other districts and consulted with parents, teachers, and school board members. Ultimately, they opted not to ban cellphones outright. Instead, students who bring their phones to school must store them in a Yondr pouch that locks their device until the end of the school day. This system allows students to retain possession while minimizing distractions during classes.

The new state law permits school districts to design their own cellphone policies. Some might impose complete bans, while others may adopt solutions like Yondr pouches, similar to Cambridge’s approach. The state has allocated $13.5 million for schools to purchase storage options. Additionally, the law requires schools to facilitate parental contact with children during emergencies. Harrington reassured parents that pouches could be cut open if necessary, although he cautioned against excessive phone use during emergencies, which can disrupt communication for first responders.

Research suggests that cellphones contribute significantly to classroom distractions. Harrington recounted an experiment in which a teacher allowed students to activate all phone notifications during class. The result was astonishing—over 450 alerts were logged in just 45 minutes. He emphasized that while televisions are not allowed in classrooms, cellphones, which can perform numerous tasks, were previously permitted.

The positive outcomes in Cambridge may inspire other districts to follow suit. Districts across New York are finalizing their cellphone policies ahead of the school year, aiming for compliance with state standards. The Hudson Falls Central School District, for example, engaged local stakeholders to develop a policy prohibiting the use of “Internet-enabled devices” during school hours. Exceptions will be made for educational purposes and emergencies, and the district will provide designated cellphone storage areas.

The Hudson Falls district plans to host a UPK-12 Parent Night on August 19, 2023, to discuss the new procedures and address any concerns. Superintendent Dan Ward emphasized the district’s commitment to creating a focused learning environment while adhering to state law.

In contrast, the Queensbury School District reported minimal changes, as it had already implemented a similar procedure. Superintendent Kyle Gannon stated that students were previously allowed to use their phones during lunch, but that practice will end in light of the new regulations. Principal Andrew Snide noted significant improvements in student engagement, with students interacting more in person rather than through their devices.

The Lake George School District has adopted a stricter policy requiring students to store their devices in lockers, keeping them silent or powered off throughout the day. Violations will result in the phone being turned in to the main office, alongside a disciplinary referral. Superintendent John Luthringer expressed that the shift to a bell-to-bell restriction aims to enhance focus and foster genuine peer engagement in students.

As districts finalize their policies by the required deadline of August 1, 2023, it is evident that the implementation of cellphone restrictions in New York schools represents a significant shift in addressing bullying, distractions, and overall student wellbeing.