New Haven High School students adjust to cell phone ban

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – Students across New Haven returned to class with a district-wide ban on cell phones that now includes high schools.

The initiative, which began in middle schools last year, is part of a broader effort to reduce distractions, improve mental health, and foster stronger in-person communication.

As part of the effort, the city said it invested $375,000 to purchase “Yondr Pouches,” which were designed to safely store students’ phones during the school day.

Under the new policy, students are required to secure their cell phones in locked pouches upon arrival at school, and they will not be allowed access to their phones until the end of the school day, with a few limited, pre-approved exceptions.

The initiative came in response to the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the negative effects of social media and excessive cell phone use on the mental health and overall well-being of young people.

“I thought I would not get used to it,” said senior Brandon Martinez. “I would always be fidgeting, scrolling on social media. But now I’m doing better with my grades. It’s really been helpful.”

Students like Martinez, who initially resisted the change, say they’re beginning to see unexpected benefits both in and outside of the classroom.

“It’s been helpful to me and my parents,” he said. “I’m more engaged at home now too — I’m not just scrolling on my phone all the time.”

While many teachers have welcomed the change, calling it a return to more focused learning, not every student is on board.

Senior Drew Walker, who takes dual-enrollment college classes at Yale and Southern Connecticut State University, said the strict policy creates logistical issues for students with responsibilities outside of school.

“We do still have a lot of responsibilities,” she said. “Some students have jobs, some even have kids they need to check on. I just hope there can be a bit more flexibility.”

Still, New Haven Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón says the policy is a step in the right direction.

“I feel like this is a gift that I am giving our children,” Negrón said. “It’s giving them the gift to disconnect, even for just a few hours.”

Social studies teacher Max Comando agrees. “Within the first week of school, it’s felt like some of the best teaching and learning that’s happened,” he said.

The policy in New Haven mirrored successful practices already in place at schools like Slade Middle School in New Britain, where students have been required to turn in their phones since January.

Advocates pointed to positive results from the pouch-based system, with fewer distractions and improved student performance.

“They were a distraction, and I totally agree with that. I don’t really like the pouches, but I understand why we have them,” said 8th grader Christopher Pearson.

“Without the distractions of cell phones, students can concentrate better on lessons, participate actively in class discussions and engage more fully with their peers and teachers,” said New Haven Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negron.

Gov. Ned Lamont first proposed limiting cell phones in schools last year, and new legislation has been discussed that would require all school districts to create a cell phone policy for classrooms.

By the start of the 2025 school year, nine more New Haven high schools are expected to adopt the phone-free policy, expanding its reach across the district.

Mayor Justin Elicker said the results are encouraging and noted the policy is not just a learning opportunity for students, but for the whole community.