West Genesee High School cell phone policy sees success, schools around U.S. follow suit

CAMILLUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It’s a subject with many different opinions, but West Genesee High School’s year-old cell phone policy tries to strike the right balance for everybody.

Heatherlynn Loughlin, a parent of recent West Genesee High School graduates and also a substitute teacher, sees the different sides.

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“As a parent and an educator, I do believe that cellphones should stay away,” Loughlin said.

But says she understand parents who do worry about their kids not having access to their phones during an emergency.

“There have been a few instances where they have had lockdown drills out of necessity, and those kids having their phones, having accessibility to their phones was critical to what I believe is their mental health,” Loughlin said.

West Genesee High School Principal Tracy Klefbeck says the district thought that through and came up with this compromise.

“They are allowed to have their phones in their bags in their classrooms. So, they would be able to access it,” Klefbeck said. “However, in certain emergencies your best bet is to be quiet. So, we don’t encourage every student running for their phone in an emergency.”

In academic settings like the classroom or the library, students are prohibited from using their cellphones. But in between classes, in study hall, or in the lunchroom, everyone is allowed to use their phones.

“We found it to be very successful. Obviously, there are hurdles when you implement any new policy. But the reports from both students and staff have been to really focus more on learning,” Klefbeck said.

While Klefbeck says grades are up, students say their still have mixed emotions about the policy.

“I’m not a 100% fan of it really,” said Luay Abraham, who is going into his senior year. “I get it. I hear a lot from teachers and staff members that it can prevent cyberbullying.”

“I think it is great. It’s definitely helped with attention span, grades, but does get pretty aggravating when someone is trying to get a hold of you, but you can’t check your phone,” said Anthony Bowles, who is heading into his junior year.

West Genesse Middle School has a stricter cellphone policy. Those students are not allowed to use their phones at all unless a faculty member gives them permission.

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