NEW YORK (WKBW) — The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) has recently made a significant announcement. Its Board of Directors has passed a resolution advocating for comprehensive restrictions on personal devices, including cell phones, during school hours.
The resolution was passed following the “Disconnected Conference” hosted by NYSUT. The conference aimed to explore the impact of cell phones, social media, and technology on learning and mental health in schools. The event saw participation from over 500 educators, students, parents, and policymakers.
NYSUT clarified that the resolution supports a statewide law or policy that requires “bell-to-bell” restrictions on smartphones and other personal devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. However, exceptions would be made for instructional purposes and student health and safety needs.
The resolution further specifies:
- Such restrictions should be designed locally, taking into account the input from parents, educators, unions, and other stakeholders. This should specifically address alternative communication methods and systems for parents and caregivers.
- Educators should not be solely or primarily responsible for the implementation or enforcement of these policies.
- State resources should be made available for implementation costs, ensuring that individual schools or districts are not financially burdened by any required investment.
The resolution was unanimously passed by NYSUT’s 83-person Board and will guide its advocacy and policy positions in the future.
“Our Disconnected Conference confirmed what we’ve heard from our members across the state: the constant disruption of dealing with cellphone use and social media-related distractions is working against the primary mission of our schools, which is to educate our children. Schools that have implemented a ‘bell-to-bell’ ban, tailored to local needs and concerns, have seen significant improvements in student focus, classroom engagement, children’s relationships and school safety. NYSUT will always advocate for what is best for kids and our school communities, and that means restricting these devices to prioritize students’ mental health, distraction-free learning environments, and positive interactions with peers.”
The issue of smartphone use in schools has been a hot topic of discussion recently, especially as New York Governor Kathy Hochul continues to consider a smartphone ban in New York schools.
On July 24, Hochul held her fourth roundtable discussion at the Kenmore Junior/Senior High School as she continues to consider drafting potential legislation that could ban all phones from classrooms across the state.
Several schools and districts that have already implemented a no-phone policy have also shared their experiences.
For instance, Gaskill Preparatory School in the Niagara Falls City School District does not allow students to bring a phone into the classroom.
In Dunkirk, educators have come up with innovative ideas to discourage students from using their devices during class hours. One such idea is a small pouch placed next to students’ desks where they can store their phones during instruction.
In Lackawanna, the district is implementing a new “No Cell, Bell to Bell” policy which restricts students from grades 6 to 12 from using cell phones/electronics during the school day.
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