In an era when digital connectivity is ubiquitous, the role of cellphones in educational settings has sparked significant debate: Should high schools ban them from classrooms, hallways, and even cafeterias?
While they can serve as valuable tools for learning and communication, their widespread use by teens during school hours has raised concerns about distractions and mental health across the country and right here on the South Fork.
In 2023, the Sag Harbor School District enacted a rule banning cellphones during school hours. Students’ phones are placed in individual pouches that require a magnetic key to unlock, which only teachers and administrators possess.
Jeff Nichols, the district superintendent, said last week that since the policy’s implementation, students have shown increased engagement and focus in their classes and there has been a noticeable reduction in cellphone-related disciplinary issues.
“In the cafeteria, you now see kids conversing and building relationships instead of being buried in their phones,” he said.
He also noted a decline in social media-related bullying, leading to a more present and less pressured student body. Despite initial resistance from students, Mr. Nichols said many have now recognized the policy’s benefits.
Sara Bean, a rising senior at Pierson High School, is one of them. She said she has seen the impact, noting decreased bullying as well as improved social interactions, grades, and mental health among her peers.
“Although the policy was intimidating at first due to my constant phone use, I now find myself relying less on my phone outside school hours, and my screen time has remarkably decreased,” she said.
In contrast, East Hampton High School currently allows smartphones but requires students to store them in pockets of old-fashioned shoe organizers, hanging on classroom doors, during lessons. Sara Smith, the school principal, has supported this approach, citing phones’ productive uses and the need for students to stay in touch with their families in emergencies.
“In the day and age of constant communication, I envision [a ban] being problematic,” Ms. Smith said in an email.
However, she said she is also aware of the research into cellphones’ negative effects on students’ mental health, and said the school is making an effort to implement cellphone limitations more significantly. She is conducting a parent and teacher survey to determine how phones are affecting students and to find ways to eliminate the disruptions they can bring to the school day, which often involve social media.
“Some [students] are more susceptible to mental health issues due to cellphone/social media use, while others are able to use a cellphone and maintain their overall wellness,” Ms. Smith said.
Samantha Ruano, a rising senior at East Hampton High School, said she values her phone for staying connected with friends and family during the school day. She likes receiving messages from friends who take the same classes she does in earlier periods, and also being able to respond promptly if her parents contact her.
Nonetheless, she said she has observed that students’ phones can make notification noises that disrupt class and embarrass the students. She has also seen classmates use their phones during class even though they are not allowed to, and get distracted or upset by messages on their phone.
“Students also tend to get distracted by their phones during study halls,” Samantha said.
The debate over the use of smartphones in schools is getting statewide attention. Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a listening tour, speaking directly to educators, parents, and students and advocating for policies that support youth mental health. In a recent press release, she cited a June 2024 Pew Research poll indicating that 72 percent of high school teachers view cellphone distractions as a significant problem in classrooms.
“We can help our young people succeed in the classroom by ensuring they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why I’m working with all stakeholders across the state to develop effective solutions on smartphones that help protect our kids’ mental health and deliver the best results for our schools.”
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Ava Loeb was a participant in The Star’s Summer Academy, a journalism program for high school students.