Introduction to Cell Phone Ban in Schools
As New York lawmakers debate implementing a “bell to bell” cell phone ban in schools, some campuses have already embraced the policy — and say they’re seeing positive results. At Advanced Math and Science II (AMS II) and Humanities II (HUM II) in the South Bronx — part of the United Charter High Schools network, which serves nearly 3,000 students across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens — a full-day phone ban has been successfully implemented with the help of technology and strong support from parents, teachers, and students.
Background and Research
The implementation of their policy has proved timely. A fall 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 72% of high school teachers identified student phone use as a major classroom distraction. Research has also linked excessive social media use to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. Dr. Curtis Palmore, CEO of United Charter High Schools, said all seven of the network’s schools have adopted bell-to-bell bans — and he hopes the entire state will eventually do the same.
Behind the Ban
At AMS II and HUM II, students are required to use Yondr pouches to secure their phones during the school day. Each student receives a personal pouch equipped with a magnetic lock. Upon arriving at school, they place their phone inside the pouch and tap it against a wall-mounted device, which locks it. While students keep the pouch with them throughout the day, it remains sealed until dismissal, when they unlock it using the same wall device.
Implementation at AMS II
At AMS II—a high school of 485 students where Principal Sandy Manessis has served since 2012—the cell phone policy has been in effect for the past two years. Manessis said the idea took some getting used to, but now, “It is still one of the most popular decisions I have made as a school leader.” Prior to the ban, some teachers used cell phones as an instructional tool but struggled to keep kids from using them for non-learning purposes, Manessis said.
Collaboration and Buy-In
The policy was a collaborative effort, said Manessis. For such a major change, “Buy-in is number one.” Once the phone ban was ready for rollout, the school piloted it in small summer programs, and school officials met with families over the summer to explain the change and reasoning behind it. At first, many students were not fans, said Manessis. “Yes, they huffed, puffed, they rolled their eyes, but they knew … that we were going to follow up,” she said.
Positive Outcomes
After the ban was in place, teachers saw an immediate difference, where it was “night and day in student engagement,” said Manessis. The phone ban has also had positive social impacts. Manessis said the cafeteria used to be strangely quiet, with students’ eyes glued to their phones. Within a week after the ban, she passed by to see them having a dance party. “To see kids being kids again is so powerful,” she said.
Student Perspectives
Students at AMS II and HUM II said while they wish phones could be used in moderation, the bans have made their schools better overall. At HUM II, the new policy took effect halfway through last year, which was a change for students such as Brihanna, a sophomore, and Brian, a junior. Both said they avoided using their phones during class prior to the ban, but it was still an adjustment.
Part of the Routine
Manessis said that while kids are “always one step ahead of us” and sometimes try to sneak phones in or use a laptop for non-learning purposes, the administration sees only three to five violations per month. “We’re not giving up on the challenge or the battle,” she said. Steven Rodriguez, associate director of school culture at AMS II, said that many students now admit that cell phones in school were a big problem. Now, “they fake-complain” about the ban but are fully accustomed to locking and unlocking the Yondr pouch each day, he said.
Conclusion
The implementation of a cell phone ban in schools like AMS II and HUM II has shown positive results in terms of student engagement and social interactions. While there are concerns about the policy, the benefits of reducing distractions and promoting face-to-face communication are clear. As schools continue to navigate the role of technology in education, it is essential to consider the impact of cell phone use on students’ learning and well-being.
FAQs
Q: What is a "bell to bell" cell phone ban?
A: A "bell to bell" cell phone ban refers to a policy where students are not allowed to use their cell phones during the entire school day, from the start of the first bell to the end of the last bell.
Q: How do Yondr pouches work?
A: Yondr pouches are special cases that students put their phones in at the start of the school day. The pouches are locked using a magnetic device, and students cannot access their phones until the end of the day when the pouches are unlocked.
Q: What are the benefits of a cell phone ban in schools?
A: The benefits of a cell phone ban in schools include reduced distractions, improved student engagement, and increased face-to-face communication among students.
Q: How do students and parents feel about the cell phone ban?
A: While some students and parents may initially be resistant to the idea of a cell phone ban, many have come to see the benefits of the policy and appreciate the positive impact it has on the school community.
Q: Can cell phones be used as a learning tool in schools?
A: Yes, cell phones can be used as a learning tool in schools, but it is essential to balance their use with the potential for distraction and addiction. Schools can implement policies and guidelines to ensure that cell phones are used responsibly and for educational purposes only.
