This year will be a little different for some students in Western New York State as many schools implement a new policy banning cell phones in the classroom.

Many of us remember the days when there were no cell phones in classrooms. That was because they were either not allowed or had not yet been invented. But today, phones are almost an extension of the owner for adults and children alike.

This year, students in some schools in western New York State are having to leave their devices outside the classroom.

A “No Cell From Bell To Bell” policy is coming

Lackawanna City Schools has announced that it will enforce what it calls a “No Cell From Bell To Bell” rule in the upcoming school year. They say it is an initiative “to create an optimal learning environment for all students and emphasize the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student well-being.”

The plan is to provide all students with secure, lockable cell phone bags in which they must place their cell phones and other electronic devices at the beginning of the day. The bags will remain in the students’ possession throughout the day, but will be locked. At the end of the day, these bags will be unlocked and students will have access to their cell phones again.

Why should cell phones be banned in classrooms?

Many feel that these electronic devices can be incredibly distracting from the learning process. Additionally, more time in front of the screen often leads to a decline in mental health and overall well-being. These are just some of the reasons for the ban. Lackawanna hopes that this policy will help students “focus better on their studies and become more engaged in class activities.”

There is an argument for keeping them in the classroom as well

Not only are some students a little uncomfortable with this rule. Most parents I’ve met have been in favor of it, but there are some who are still hesitant. While phones can be distracting, they can also be a quick way to reach your child in the middle of the day in case of an emergency. While we can say we never needed them in our classrooms growing up, schools also had nothing on the violence they deal with today. Should an emergency arise, parents can sometimes reach their children immediately.

The problem with this communication channel is that parents interrupt their children’s day by texting them things like what they want for dinner that evening.

Most schools already have a mobile phone ban

Reading comments on social media, it seems that many schools already have a policy against cell phones in the classroom. However, many teachers and principals admit that it is very difficult to enforce this rule.

Lackawanna will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss the new changes this year. They invite parents and guardians to learn more about the policy and share their thoughts and feedback. The meetings will be held on Monday, August 19th at 9:30 a.m. in the high school/middle school library and on Thursday, August 29th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.