Students adjusting to new bell to bell cellphone ban in NYC schools
PROSPECT HEIGHTS (WABC) -- Just over a week ago, students returned to classes in New York City to a new school cell phone ban.
The ban, issued at the state level, allows districts to come up with their own policy to keep kids off devices and pay attention during class.
But some kids are finding loopholes and creative ways to keep their devices during school hours.
Students say they're getting used to the ban, while some say they feel less distracted, others say they feel more annoyed.
"I feel like it's going pretty well, because I feel like it helps students be not as distracted. I think it does keep students focused, those who do want to focus," one student said.
A spokesperson for NYC schools said, "All internet-based devices are banned in nyc public schools. If it looks like an internet device, it's getting collected."
The teacher's union says they're not seeing widespread use of internet devices, but said NYC public schools are also confiscating MP3s, Walkmans and other devices.
They are, however, hearing that some schools haven't adequately organized cell phone collection, leaving teachers to pick up the slack.
"I think it's great I think cellphones are distractive as they are for us grownups. I would hate for my little guys to be that distracted in school. I think it just helps them focus without the devices," a parent said.
The public schools are allowed to collect phones any way they want.
The DOE says 820 schools are using magnetic pouches, 600 schools are using dropboxes, storage bins or cubbies and 550 schools are collecting phones in classrooms.
Leadership is working with principals to improve efficency.
The school spokesperson said in part that, "schools are adjusting well to the new policy and leadership is working with principals to quickly solve any problems, and ensure collection is effective and efficient."
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