The results of NYSUT’s initial survey about the new statewide bell-to-bell cellphone policy look promising: 89.7 percent of educators who responded to the online poll said they are already seeing positive change in their schools because of the policy.
More than 77 percent of the educators noticed better social interactions, and 76 percent said students were more attentive in class. In fact, some educators called the ban the “best start to a school year in a decade.”
“When students put down their phones, they pick up books — and build friendships. This survey shows that phone-free schools aren’t just improving academic outcomes; they’re rebuilding the human connections that make school a safe and vibrant place to grow,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person.
Other key findings? The majority of respondents, who taught in high school (68.1 percent) and middle school (25.4 percent), reported strong gains in social and attentional metrics that suggest the policy supports both academic focus and peer engagement.
“Kids who were repeatedly failing last year said they are getting work done because they ‘have nothing else to do’ in study hall. I also have noticed an increase in hallway chatter, which is good,” said a North Country educator.
Alongside better social interactions and better social interactions in class, 51.7 percent of educators who participated in the poll also reported increased student participation.
“Students aren’t disappearing to the bathroom for 20 min anymore. They’re focused. They’re listening. I don’t think I’ve ever in my seven year-so-far career had to give instructions so *few times*. I literally just give instructions once and basically everyone just DOES it. That’s it. ONE TIME. IT HAS NEVER BEEN LIKE THIS BEFORE,” raved a Southern Tier educator.
The majority of educators (67.6 percent) say that the transition to the new policy went better than expected, and 82 percent said that enforcement has been consistent or mostly consistent.
“I was fully expecting this to be a train wreck because I didn’t trust that admin would be able to stand up to parents and students who resisted. I am shocked at how well it’s gone. I have not personally seen one phone at an unauthorized time all year. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong,” said an educator in Western New York.
Educators also noted that the policy has had a positive impact on the teaching experience, with 72.5 percent of those who participated reporting that they have more time for teaching instead of policing student cellphone use, and 66.7 percent say that the policy has made classroom management easier.
Educators also noted that they feel more connected to students (56.6 percent) and that their job satisfaction has increased (45 percent) because of the new bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions.
“I am so happy this policy has been put into effect! Last year was my first year as a teacher, and it was so ludicrous, the constant battles with kids to get off their phones. My job satisfaction has gone way up this year, not having to fight that battle!” said a Western New York educator.
But educators aren’t the only community members expressing favorable reactions to the new policy; parents are also sharing their positive experiences with school cellphone restriction policies.
The policy has also been widely covered by the media, who continue to report largely positive feedback about distraction-free learning.
Many thanks to everyone who participated in this survey. You can still weigh in with your feedback here.
For more information about Disconnected, visit www.disconnectedny.org