MANLIUS, N.Y. — As the new school year begins, students in the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District are adjusting to a new cell phone ban, which aims to enhance learning. Although the district’s velcro pouches for storing phones during class have been delayed, students are currently required to leave their phones at home or in lockers.
Some students have expressed support for these regulations, noting its positive impact on their education and relationships. “I love to have my phone, but I know that I do better without it,” said Ava Disque.
While Fayetteville-Manlius students will soon use velcro pouches, other districts have implemented locked pouches that remain sealed until the end of the day. One student suggested that the stricter option might be beneficial.
“The ones that lock may be better for just kids in general cause I feel like a lot of kids who don’t mean to do any harm might get penalties or face problems with school just because the instinct to pull it out or they’re just used to it,” the student said.
The absence of cell phones has led to positive changes in student interactions.
“The overall vibe of the school felt a lot better, and I saw a lot more people talking in the hallways, and a lot more kind of chatter and people just connecting in the hallways it was great to see,” said Matthew Brenneck.
Students believe that this first day without cell phones has demonstrated the potential of the new law to reshape the school environment, influencing both learning and relationships with other students.
