The New York State United Teachers (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.  

Recently, NYSUT and its partners hosted the Disconnected Conference to discuss the effects of cellphones, social media and technology on learning and mental health in our schools.

Immediately following the conclusion of Disconnected, NYSUT’s board of directors passed a resolution calling for restrictions on smartphones and other personal devices such as smartwatches and earbuds in schools.   

The resolution specifically supports a statewide law or policy requiring “bell-to-bell” restrictions on these devices—from school opening to dismissal—with exceptions allowed for instructional purposes and student health and safety needs. This would allow students to remain fully engaged in their educational and social experiences.  

 Additionally, the resolution specifies that such restrictions should be designed locally, with input from parents, educators, unions and other stakeholders, specifically addressing alternative communication methods and systems for parents and caregivers. Educators should not bear the sole or primary responsibility for the implementation or enforcement of these policies. State resources should be available for implementation costs so that individual schools or districts are not financially burdened by any required investment. 

The resolution was passed unanimously by the 83-person board.   

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

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.   

Melinda Person, president, 
New York State United Teachers
Latham, NY