New York Schools Implement Strict Cellphone Policies to Combat Bullying

As schools in New York prepare for a new cellphone restriction law, the Cambridge Central School District has already seen significant benefits from its early implementation. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, goes into effect for the 2023-2024 school year and mandates a “bell-to-bell” ban on cellphone use during school hours. Cambridge CSD adopted this policy last year, and according to Ralph Harrington, the district’s secondary associate principal, the results are noteworthy.

Harrington reported that disciplinary referrals for cellphone use dropped to zero under the new policy. He emphasized that before the policy was enacted, cellphones contributed to bullying and harassment, with students recording and sharing videos of each other to ridicule their peers. The harmful impact of these actions led some students to avoid attending classes altogether. Following the introduction of the cellphone policy, Harrington noted, “all those peripheral issues disappeared,” highlighting a shift towards a more focused educational environment.

The district’s approach involves allowing students to bring their cellphones to school, but they must secure them in a Yondr pouch at the beginning of the day. These pouches lock the phones inside, granting students access only at the end of the school day. Students involved in after-school activities can use their devices freely during those times. This policy aligns with the new state law, which permits school districts to establish their own cellphone regulations, allowing for varying implementations across the state.

To support schools in this initiative, New York has allocated $13.5 million for purchasing storage solutions like Yondr pouches. The law also requires schools to provide parents with ways to contact their children during emergencies. Harrington reassured parents that if necessary, the pouches could be cut open, but he also noted that emergency services advise against heavy cellphone use during crises, as it can impede communication for first responders.

Cellphones have long been seen as significant distractions in educational settings. Harrington shared a classroom experiment where students were instructed to enable every notification on their phones. The result was over 450 alerts during a single class period, illustrating how disruptive these devices can be. He remarked, “You wouldn’t allow a child to bring a television into class… but we give them access to cellphones that do so much more.” The new policy has reportedly fostered a more engaged atmosphere in classrooms, encouraging students to interact without the distractions of their devices.

Other school districts in New York are also adapting to the new state regulations. For example, the Hudson Falls Central School District consulted with various stakeholders, including parents and students, to develop a policy that restricts the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. The district’s guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining focus on academic responsibilities, while also allowing for exceptions in emergencies or for educational purposes.

On August 19, 2023, Hudson Falls will host a parent information night where district leaders will outline their cellphone policies and answer questions. Superintendent Dan Ward emphasized the district’s commitment to creating a learning-focused environment while complying with state law.

In the Queensbury School District, Superintendent Kyle Gannon indicated that the district was already following a similar cellphone policy, but adjustments will be made to fully align with the new “bell-to-bell” rules. Principal Andrew Snide noted that earlier restrictions had already led to greater student engagement in the classroom, as students interacted more with one another instead of focusing on their phones.

The Lake George School District is implementing distinct policies for different educational levels. High school students must store their devices in lockers, keeping them on silent or powered off throughout the school day. Superintendent John Luthringer expressed hope that these changes would reduce distractions and promote genuine peer engagement, contributing to a more productive learning environment.

With the new cellphone law set to take effect, school districts across New York are making their policies clear to the public by the mandated deadline of August 1, 2023. Parents and students are encouraged to check their local school websites for specific details regarding cellphone use in the upcoming school year, as districts navigate the balance between technology and education.