Plan to limit cell phones in schools heads to lawmakers

NEW BRITAIN, CT(WFSB) — There is another push this year to limit cell phones in the classroom.

Governor Lamont first proposed this last year.

New legislation would require schools to come up with a plan.

The plan was similar to one already in place at Slade Middle School in New Britain.

Students at Slade have been required to turn in their phones each day since January.

In New Britain, the practice of having students place their phones in pouches has shown positive results in middle schools, advocates have said.

The plan, which could take effect statewide starting July 1 if approved, requires each school district to develop its own strategy for restricting cell phone use in classrooms.

When Governor Lamont talked about restricting cell phones in a speech last year there was applause.

However, the governor’s proposal was less restrictive. His plan was to allow schools to come up with a policy.

This new legislation would require schools to have a cell phone policy.

Last year, the governor went to a middle school in Manchester. They were one of the first schools to limit cell phones. 

Students had to put their phones in a pouch when they started school, and pick up their phones when they left school.

Education leaders say most schools have started to put policies in place limiting cell phones.

“We have seen the level of disruption go down in schools. We have seen performance improve. Distractions are minimized. Teachers respond that it is one less battle in classroom. We are seeing less of those organized distractions, either fights or TikTok challenges,” said Kate Dias, CT, Education Association President.

Dias says when you eliminate distractions children are able to focus.

When it comes to how the policy is done, educators support having the school create a policy for all to follow, such as phone pouches. They are not as supportive of having each teacher come up with their own rules on phone use.

Gov. Ned Lamont suggested that state funding could be made available to help districts implement the policy.

There will have to be a vote by the education committee. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be to much opposition to this proposal.