Hoosick Falls CSD hosting public forum on cell phone ban

HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Recently, Hoosick Falls Central School District announced they will be banning cell phones in grades UPK-12 beginning next school year. In light of the announcement, a public forum will be held to review the policy on Wednesday.

The forum will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the High School's auditorium. The district sent out the following letter to parents and guardians on the heels of the announcement.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On a national, state and local level there has been an alarming increase in mental health concerns facing our children due to the impact of cell phones and social media. After careful consideration, we have decided as a District to ban the use of cell phones and any other electronic devices that interrupt or distract students during school hours for ALL students grades UPK-12 beginning September 3, 2024. This will take place from the time they enter the school building until they leave the building at the end of their school day. Use of cell phones after school will be determined by the activity (i.e. not allowed in detention) or supervising adult (i.e. teacher, coach, advisor).

This decision is driven by our commitment to enhance the academic environment and overall well-being of our students. There have been significant advances in smartphones, smartwatches, apps, earbuds, artificial intelligence and wifi technologies in the past few years. The increased use and exposure to these has coincided with an increase in anxiety, depression and emotional isolation, as well as a decrease in focus, physical activity and face-to-face  social interaction. These variables have resulted in lower academic achievement, an impaired ability to resolve conflict, and fewer students participating in sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities.

Banning the use of cell phones promotes:

• Increased Focus and Academic Performance
• Increased Physical Activity and Face-to-Face Social Interaction
• Improved Mental Health and Social-Emotional Wellbeing 

Specific details of the implementation and enforcement of this policy will be available in our Student-Parent Handbooks for each school. The protocol will include:

• Students will be required to use the lockers assigned to them. All bookbags or similar items must be kept in the assigned locker
• Cell phones MUST be kept in the assigned locker
• Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies, parents and guardians can contact the school office. We will ensure that messages are promptly delivered to students. Additionally, students will still have access to the office phone if they need to contact their parents/home.

At this time, we are not looking to introduce cell phone pouches. Students in grades 5-12 will be permitted to have cell phones in school as long as they keep them in their locker. We are working to remove the attachment to technology as best we can without imposing additional measures. We are not requiring anything more than what all of us experienced in school.

We may introduce cell phone pouches if we find the following:

• Students are not following the new protocol and continue to carry or use their cell phones, or
• Students are using other personal electronic devices (i.e. smart watches, earbuds, etc,) in place of cell phones, or
• Technology advances to the point where other devices can perform a similar function (i.e. smartwatches are being to used to communicate in the same way as phones)

We are aware this change may be challenging. The use of technology has become an addiction for some students. Our counseling team will be available to provide support for those who may struggle with this adjustment.

We believe that this policy will contribute to a more positive and productive school environment, ultimately benefiting our students' academic performance and mental health. We appreciate your support and cooperation in this matter. Together, we can create a better learning environment for our children.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working together to support the success and well-being of our students.

Sincerely,

Patrick Dailey