At the Ithaca City School District, we are committed to responding to the needs of our students and families. The use of cell phones at school has become a pressing issue that has garnered attention not only locally, but across New York State and the nation.

 In 2024, Governor Hochul conducted a statewide listening tour to hear from educators, caregivers, and students regarding cell phone use in schools. The Governor has also raised the possibility of implementing a statewide ban on cell phones in schools.

While the ICSD acknowledges that cell phones and other electronic devices have become essential communication tools, our priority remains ensuring students stay focused on learning during instructional time. Each building in the district has implemented guidelines to create a welcoming, safe, and distraction-free learning environment.

Some school guidelines may include, but are not limited to:

• Recommending students leave cell phones at home

• Requiring that cell phones and electronic devices remain out of sight during school hours

• Allowing schools to hold devices until the end of the day, with the possibility of involving caregivers if cell phone use becomes a repeated issue

As always, caregivers can reach their child during school hours by contacting the school’s main office directly.

The following resources are available to support and inform discussions with students about cell phones at school:

• Common Sense Media Study

• The Atlantic: Get Phones Out of Schools Now

• The Atlantic: End the Phone-Based Childhood Now

• National Parents Union: New Poll Shows Parents Are Against Cell Phone Ban in Schools; Raise Alarm Over Negative Effects of Social Media on Children

• Common Sense Education: Offline Digital Citizenship: Soft Skills to Support Strong Online Habits

• Common Sense Education: Creating a Cellphone Policy That Works for Everyone