In the summer of 2024, NYSUT launched the Disconnected initiative. This was driven by hearing from our members and the communities they serve about the pervasive issues of distracting technology in schools. Specifically, educators expressed deep concerns about the harmful effects digital distractions such as cellphones had on their students and their classroom environments. These include many stories from our members, coupled with grim statistics about the mental health of our children over the past decade.
Through Disconnected events and advocacy, NYSUT has been at the forefront of this issue, pushing for statewide bell-to-bell restrictions on cellphones in school.
What people are saying about cellphones in schools
What Educators, Healthcare Professionals, Law Enforcement, and Administrators Are Saying About Cellphones in Schools.
Why Students Need Bell-to-Bell Protection
In schools, cellphones are almost as ubiquitous as backpacks, and that’s a problem. The constant use of personal electronics — not just phones, but earbuds, watches, and other distractions—are impacting our students’ ability to focus and learn.
Comparison of Instructional vs. Bell-to-Bell
Our students are in a state of emergency. They are facing unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety and skyrocketing suicide rates, and we cannot afford half-measures that create an illusion of action but fail to fix the problem.
Addressing Parent and Community Questions
Cellphone restrictions in schools require balancing mental health and academic concerns with practical implementation questions from parents and community members. Rather than speculate, we can look to evidence from schools nationwide that have successfully implemented bell-to-bell policies.
Disconnected Conference, September 2024
Nearly 500 people attended NYSUT’s Disconnected conference on Friday, where they delved into one of the most critical education issues of our time: the effects of cellphones, social media and technology on schools, learning and mental health.
NYSUT joins governor to announce cellphone restrictions in schools
Today in Guilderland Central School District, NYSUT President Melinda Person joined Gov. Kathy Hochul as the governor announced a proposal to create distraction-free learning environments across New York.
NYSUT Calls for Bell-to-Bell Restrictions
On Friday, Sept. 20, NYSUT and our partners hosted the Disconnected Conference to discuss the effects of cellphones, social media, and technology on learning and mental health in our schools.
Articles
Explore the latest news from "Disconnected," our in-depth convening that examines the impact of cellphones, social media, and technology on children, schools, and the future of learning.