Classes are in, but cellphones are out at Locust Valley

The Locust Valley Central School District has implemented a policy banning phones from classrooms and hallways during the school day for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. At the high school level, the district is taking a more flexible approach, allowing students to use their phones in some circumstances. The policy comes amid growing concerns about the negative impact of digital distractions on student learning.

“We wanted to create an environment where students are focused on learning and not constantly distracted by their phones,” district Superintendent Kristen Turnow said. “From kindergarten through eighth grade, cellphones must remain in students’ backpacks, turned off, and unused from bell to bell.”

The policy is intended to minimize distractions and ensure that students are engaged in their studies. According to Turnow, the guidelines were adopted based on feedback from teachers who noted the detrimental effects of cellphone use during classes.

“Teachers in grades K through 8 have consistently reported that students are more focused and less distracted when their phones are put away,” she said. “We understand that students may need their phones for communication after school, but during the day they are required to keep them off and in their backpacks.”

The district allows students to turn their phones back on at the end of the school day.

For high school students, the district has adopted a more nuanced approach. While phones are still banned during instructional time, students are allowed to use them during study halls, lunch periods and when they’re outdoors. These allowances, however, are subject to supervision by school staff.

“At the high school level, we recognize that students are becoming more independent and need to communicate,” Turnow explained. “We’re trying to find a balance where they can use their phones during downtime, but we’re also making sure that it doesn’t interfere with their academic responsibilities.”

One of the places where phones are allowed is the school library. The district is also considering ways to encourage more students to use the library as a quiet place to study or relax, particularly for those who may need a break from the noise of a crowded cafeteria.

“The goal is to create more inclusive environments,” Turnow said. “For example, students with disabilities or those who need a quiet space can benefit from a designated area where they can focus without distractions.”

While phones are allowed during lunch, Turnow said she was concern about its potential to hinder face-to-face interaction. The district is planning to renovate the cafeteria, and turn it into a more social, college-style commons area, with the hope of fostering more communication among students.

“We want students to talk to each other, not just sit on their phones,” she said. “It’s important for them to engage socially, and we’re working to create an environment that encourages that.”

As part of the redesign, the district envisions round tables, booths, and quieter study areas for students who need some downtime or those who prefer a calmer atmosphere. The changes are still in the planning stages, but reflect the district’s commitment to promoting healthier social interaction.

Beyond managing cellphone use, the district is also emphasizing digital citizenship education, particularly for younger students. Librarians are teaching students about the responsible use of technology and the potential long-term consequences of their digital behavior.

“Digital citizenship is about teaching students how to be responsible and respectful online,” Turnow said. “We emphasize that your digital footprint is permanent. Once you post something online, it’s out there forever, and it can have lasting consequences, whether it’s hurtful comments or inappropriate images.”

This initiative is part of Locust Valley’s broader effort to equip students with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. “We want students to understand that what they do online can affect their future opportunities, from college applications to job searches,” Turnow added.

She also said that parent organizations, such as the district’s Parent Council, have played an active role in supporting the initiative by raising money for alternative activities, such as buying sports equipment for students to use during recess.

“Our Parent Council has been instrumental in providing students with engaging alternatives to cellphone use,” Turnow said. “They’ve helped fund things like Ping-Pong tables and outdoor games, giving students the chance to be active and interact with one another.”

She emphasized that the goal is not only to limit distractions, but also to foster a sense of community and well-being among students.

“We’re still evolving, especially at the high school level,” Turnow said, “but our main focus is ensuring that our students are engaged, connected and thriving both academically and socially.”