With the latest news of a school-shooting, the debate over cell-phone bans has brought to light the pros and cons of the issue for schools.
According to academic sources a ban or major limitation on cell phones in school, leans towards a more focused classroom and student, not all districts agree on the restrictions.
By contrast, it is mostly parents who are opposed to banning cell phones in school.
Prohibition of electronic communications in classrooms are handled with very slight differences in each district in Wayne County. Students must either hand over their phones at the beginning or the day, or beginning of a class, retrievable during lunch breaks; or they may keep them on their persons but out of sight and on silent mode.
The National Parents Union recently released a new poll of parents of K-12 students on the issue of cell phones and social media in schools. It is clear that parents don’t view cell phone usage and social media usage the same. The survey found that the majority of parents want their children to have access to their cell phones during the school day, with reasonable limits on when the devices can be used. The majority of parents do not want schools to lock up students’ phones and see the value in connectivity for issues such as getting in touch in case of an emergency and to coordinate transportation to and from school.
In New York State, the State Education Department (SED) noted that many school already have bans in place while other have partial bans or none.
A School District in New York (Schoharie Central) banned all cell phones, smart watches and ear buds two years ago and found the policy has reduced bullying and improved student learning.
“NYSED believes that decisions about cell phone use in schools should be made at the local level, taking into account the unique needs of students, parents, their families and communities,” O’Hare said. “NYSED emphasizes the importance of community input and education for students in crafting these policies.”
Some districts nationally provide technological solutions, such as pouches to lock and store students’ phones during the school day. In other districts, educators have found creative ways to separate students from their phones, such as using over-the-door shoe holders where students place their phones during class.
With the current news cycle, discussion of students having phone for their own mental health - so that during an emergency at school, they know they can reach their parents - brought up several clear reasons why this is not a valid reason.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul commented: “...let the parents hear from law enforcement that if the parents’ worst nightmare actually occurs and there’s an active shooter on site and their children are in harm’s way... children are less safe in that environment when they’re distracted with the cell phone...as opposed to following the leaders or the adults who are trained to know what to do.”
Cell phone policies for each Wayne County School District from Student Handbooks are listed here. This shows the cell phone use policy only. Each school indicates their consequences and punishment, mostly in 3 steps of discipline in the student handbooks. Studnets and parents should reach the handbooks.
CLYDE SAVANNAH
Electronic communication devices can be useful items in today’s world, but as with all modern devices, there is an appropriate time and place for them. Teaching students to exercise good judgement and to use such devices responsibly can be an important part of their education. Student-owned electronic devices are not needed for instruction and will not be permitted for use during instructional periods. Throughout the district, student use of personal electronic communication devices is prohibited during instruction periods between the hours of 7:30 and 2:45 for grades 6-12 and 7:45-2:30 for elementary students. No student may display a personal device during an instructional period or have sound come from such a device which may interfere with teaching and learning.
GANANDA
The Board acknowledges that cellular phones, pagers, and 2-way communication systems can be a positive means to facilitate communication; however, the display and/or use of such devices can cause disruption to the educational process. Therefore, to prevent such disruption, the display and/or use by students of cellular phones (including “smart phones”), pagers, and 2-way communication systems and/or other electronic devices shall be prohibited from the time students arrive at school until the end of the regular school day, unless specifically permitted to be used by a teacher, administrator or handbook. Such devices must be turned off and stored out of sight during this time period.
LYONS:
Electronic Devices, Cell Phones, headphones, earbuds, and electronic use are not allowed during instructional time, detention or in the In-School Suspension room. Phone and electronic use at the Middle/High School will be allowed during lunch and in the hallways.
MARION
Students are permitted to use their cell phones during passing times, lunch, and traditional study halls (not structured study halls). The use of cell phones and other electronic devices during instructional times is prohibited. Students must store their cell phones out of sight during instructional times. There will be a designated location in each learning space where students may place their cell phones.
NEWARK
Cell phone use is not permitted in the instructional setting. Cell phones and earbuds must remain out of sight during the school day except for lunches and in hallways between classes. Students are provided with a laptop to ensure access to any online work during classes. Cell phones and earbuds are not permitted in any class at any time.
NORTH ROSE-WOLCOTT
Cell phone use is not permitted during classes. Cell phone use is permitted during lunch and in the hall-ways between periods. Any student who uses an electronic device in an inappropriate way will be subject to disciplinary consequences that may include loss of all electronic device privileges and/or the requirement that a parent/guardian come to school to collect the device.
PAL MAC
Cell Phones: In order to preserve the teaching and learning environment for all students, personal cell phones/electronic devices are prohibited in all instructional spaces, including labs,the Performing Arts Center, gymnasiums and areas which may be designated by school administration such as bathrooms and locker rooms. Personal cell phones/electronic devices need to be put away and made undetectable in prohibited spaces.
RED CREEK
Cell phones are not allowed in class (academic areas) during the school day. Phones that are used during academic classes without instructional purpose or permission from a teacher during the school day, will be confiscated. Confiscated phones will generally be returned at the end of the current or following school day for a first offense. If a repeat offense occurs, the item will be kept in the office until a parent retrieves the item, additional school consequences may also be assigned.
SODUS
Students may be in possession of cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day. Students may use cell phones or other personal electronic devices in the cafeteria, provided they are used with headphones. Students may use their cell phones in the hallway, provided they do not engage in video conversations during passing time. Cell phones, headphones, or earbuds should not be visible in any classroom unless used for instructional purposes as determined by the class-room teacher. Before entering the classroom, students will place their phones on silent and either store them in their locker or backpack. This includes any accompanying devices such as headphones or earbuds. The goal is for everyone to keep their phones out of sight when in class.
WAYNE CENTRAL
Electronic Devices, Cell Phones, headphones, earbuds, and electronic use are not allowed during instructional time, detention or in the In-School Suspension room. Phone and electronic use at the Middle/High School will be allowed during lunch and in the hallways.
WILLIAMSON
Earbuds are also not to be worn during Forum. There is a cell phone policy this year. In the classroom, phones should be put away unless a teacher tells you they can be out.
Phones need to be out of sight and put away.
There is as “3 Strikes” policy: 1st Strike is a warning and the teacher will alert Administration. 2nd Strike is the Office will collect the phone and the student can collect it at the end of the day. 3rd Strike is the Office will collect the phone and the parents will need to pick up the phone. Further strikes will have increased disciplinary actions.
