Student Cell Phone Use Task Force

Our district is currently reviewing policies and procedures related to student use of cell phones at school.

In addition to surveying families, staff and students, we have convened a task force that is currently working to analyze the data, research the topic and provide recommendations to the superintendent later this school year.

The task force also plans to hold community forums as their work unfolds.

Sept. 18 meeting summary

  • Reviewed and analyzed survey responses parents and guardians submitted in early 2024:
    • Elementary responses overwhelmingly favored a total ban
    • Middle school responses generally favored a ban, but not as enthusiastically as elementary respondents
    • High school responses comprised 45% of all survey responses; respondents were almost evenly divided between those strongly support a ban and those who oppose it.
  • Reviewed and analyzed parent and guardian survey comments
    • Shared concern among all grade levels that it is generally difficult to reach school by phone
    • Families are not confident in the district’s ability to provide emergency communications in a timely fashion
  • Reviewed a summary about local districts’ cell phone bans and restrictions
  • Proposed creating a research database for committee members about student cell phone use nationwide, including bans and restrictions.

Oct. 20 meeting summary

  • Revisited the committee's guiding principles and essential questions to align on objectives surrounding student cell phone usage across grade levels. Survey feedback was analyzed from staff (519 responses), students (2,622 responses), and parents, with responses categorized into critical areas: emergency communication, health concerns, and support for limiting cell phone usage.
  • Reviewed insights from the recent "Disconnected" conference sponsored by New York State United Teachers (NYSUT). The conference addressed the impact of technology on education and mental health. The conference has led NYSUT to support a statewide recommendation for cell phone bans in schools to mitigate adverse effects on student well-being and academic focus.
  • Reviewed and analyzed survey data across elementary, middle, and high school levels, focusing on trends and identifying potential interventions. Each group shared their findings, highlighting the varying needs and perspectives across grade levels that may inform targeted recommendations. All documents were shared at the meeting.
  • Discussed stakeholder perspectives and plans for an upcoming community forum to update the community on the task force’s progress. No dates were scheduled at this time. Future meetings are scheduled for November and December to continue these efforts.

Nov. 19 meeting summary

  • Review of purpose: Revisited guiding principles and essential questions, focusing on concerns around student cell phone use at different levels
  • Review of deliverables
    • Are the concerns of student cell phone/electronic device use the same across all levels?
    • What is the best course of action to address these concerns based on current perceptions of all stakeholders?
  • Report on phone answering process at 91¸£Àûµ¼º½ High
  • Groups assigned to review and recommend changes to:
    • Current board policy versus draft NYSSBA policy on student use of cell phones/electronic devices 
    • Student cell phone/electronic device restrictions in place in Amsterdam, Bethlehem, Schoharie and South Glens Falls school districts
  • What’s next
    • Community forums tabled until January, when Gov. Hochul is expected to announce state guidance
    • Next committee meeting is Dec. 10