North Shore School District to crackdown on cellphone use
School is in, but cellphones out at North Shore
School districts across Nassau County have begun tightening their policies on student cellphone use throughout their schools, with some even banning phones from classrooms and hallways during the school day. These policy changes come amid growing concerns over the negative impact of digital distractions on student learning.
“Like many districts, we’ve become more restrictive because of the harmful effects of social media and smartphone use,” North Shore School District Superintendent Chris Zublionis said. “We’ve seen the impact not just in school but in students’ lives outside of school, and it’s something we’re addressing through clearer policies and ongoing conversations with our community.”
Kristen Turnow, Locust Valley Central School District’s superintendent, echoed these sentiments, noting the growing awareness among educators about the negative impact of smartphones, particularly social media, on students.
For elementary and middle school students, North Shore’s policy is clear-cut. Cellphones are banned throughout the school day to minimize distractions and ensure that students are engaged in their studies.
“Phones and other personal devices, including smartwatches, must be put away at all times in our elementary and middle schools,” Zublionis said. “We’ve found thispolicy essential in ensuring that students focus on learning, with some exceptions for medical needs like monitoring blood sugar levels.”
Locust Valley has a similar policy for younger students.
“Teachers in grades K-8 have consistently reported that students are more focused and less distracted when their phones are put away,” Turnow 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.”
At the high school level, the districts have adopted a more nuanced approach. Zublionis acknowledged that there are numerous rational reasons why parents would want their older children to be able to contact them if needed, but all phones and other electronic devices must be put away and out of sight while in learning spaces such as classrooms.
“High school students can have their phones, but they must be unseen in learning spaces unless allowed by a teacher for instructional purposes,” he said. “However, in common areas like bathrooms and hallways, phones are not permitted at all. We want to maintain a focus on learning and healthy social interactions.”
Turnow described a similar policy at Locust Valley. While phones are still banned during instructional time, students are allowed to use them during study halls, lunch periods, and while outdoors, with these allowances 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.”
While Locust Valley’s policy allows cellphone use during lunch, Turnow expressed concern about its potential to hinder face-to-face interaction. The district is planning to renovate the cafeteria, turning it into a more social, college-style commons area to foster communication among students.
“We want students to talk to each other, not just sit on their phones,” Turnow said. “It’s important for them to engage socially, and we’re working to create an environment that encourages that.”
Both districts are addressing a larger issue around screen time.
“We’re all wrestling with this,” Zublionis said. “Our students are part of the first generation that has never known life without smartphones and social media. This constant connection has come at a cost to play, socialization, and mental health.”
Beyond managing cellphone use, the Locust Valley Central School District is also emphasizing digital citizenship education, particularly for younger students. The district’s librarians are actively teaching students about 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.”
Zublionis agreed that educating students about online behavior is essential.
“We’re seeing the consequences of online interactions, many of which happen outside school but affect us because we have to address them when they bleed into school life,” he explained. “We need to work together with families to ensure students understand the long-term impact of their digital actions.”
Both Turnow and Zublionis emphasized that the goal is to limit distractions and foster a sense of community and well-being among students.
“We’re evolving, but our focus remains on ensuring that students are engaged, connected, and thriving both academically and socially,” Turnow said.
Zublionis added that the North Shore district is continuing its efforts to collaborate with the community on these issues.
“We’re having ongoing discussions with teachers, parents, and students about the broader impacts of technology, from cellphones to AI,” he said. “It’s a complex issue, and we’re committed to addressing it thoughtfully.”
