What are the cell phone policies for Rochester-area school districts?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — As classes begin for the new school year, districts are reminding students about their rules regarding cell phones.

Governor Hochul kicked off a listening tour over the summer where she met with educators and parents to discuss smartphone use in school. The governor says students should be more focused on “learning and growing” and not “clicking and scrolling.”

There has also been discussion about limiting internet-capable smart phones, while still making old-style “flip phones” available for emergencies.

What are the rules now?

Pretty much every school district has the same rule — “Do not use your cell phone during class,” but there is debate over when students should be able to use their phones and how rules should be enforced.

Schools have penalties for students who use their phones in class, such as verbal warnings or confiscation, but the main goal is to prevent students from using those devices in the first place. News 8 took a look at some districts’ policies.

Many school districts such as Canandaigua, Webster, and Lyons allow all students to keep their phones on them — as long as they are turned off and are not used to harass or cyberbully others.

Most elementary and middle school students, such as in the Penfield, Brighton, Gates-Chili, and Churchville-Chili school districts, have to tuck their phones into lockers or cubbies until the school day is over. All students of the Red Creek Central School District must do this, but high schoolers can use phones during their lunch period.

Although most high school students are allowed to keep their phones on them — as long as they are locked, the Rochester City School District and the Victor Central School District order students to shut their phones off and put them in their backpacks. This includes during lunch, recess, and passing time.

Some school districts have taken further steps. The Greece Central School District utilizes a “cell phone pouch.” The pouches are magnetically sealed and teachers or administrators can grant a student access to their phone. The pouches, known as Yondr pouches , are commonly used during concerts to prevent audience members from taking pictures or videos.

Similarly, the Brockport Central School District has “cell phone holders” in their classrooms, requiring students to place them there or in their backpacks.

Some families have voiced concerns over these policies, saying students should have a method to call 911 in an emergency or to contact them. Districts with these policies say in their codes of conduct that each classroom has a telephone for emergencies and parents can always contact the school to get in touch with their children.

Students and families are encouraged to check with their district’s Code of Conduct for cell phone policies and penalties.

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