State Teachers Union Calls for 'Bell-to-Bell' Restrictions on Cellphones in Schools

At the end of last week, the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT) announced that it was calling for “bell-to-bell” restrictions on cellphones and other personal devices in schools.

The announcement calling for the restrictions — which would essentially be a ban on use during the entire school day — came immediately after the conclusion of the Disconnected Conference, which was hosted by NYSUT and other partners, to discuss the effects of cellphones, social media, and technology on learning and mental health in schools.

The conference included more than 500 educators, students, parents and policymakers who came together to discuss the issue.

NYSUT’s Board of Directors passed a resolution calling for restrictions on smartphones and other personal devices like smartwatches and earbuds in schools. The resolution specifically supports a statewide law or policy requiring robust restrictions on the devices, from school opening to dismissal, with exceptions allowed for instructional purposes and student health and safety needs.

The resolution, which was passed unanimously by the 83-member board, comes on the heels of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul considering a statewide ban on student cellphone use during the school day.

The NYSUT resolution also specified that restrictions should be designed locally, with input from parents, teachers and unions, and should specifically address alternative communication methods and systems for parents and caregivers; educators should not bear the sole or primary responsibility for implementation or enforcement of policies; and state resources should be available for implementation costs so individual schools or districts are not financially burdened by any required investment.

NYSUT’s newest polling, conducted September 4-11, found 85 percent of members supported banning cellphones and personal electronic devices for the entire school day with approved exceptions.

NYSUT members reported that students’ use of cellphones is a major factor in the challenges affecting schools today, including: students not developing adequate social skills (88 percent major factor), bullying (81 percent), students being distracted in class (80 percent), students having difficulty learning (79 percent) and students struggling academically (78 percent).

Additionally, 71 percent said cellphones are responsible for driving a negative or unhealthy school culture.