Ridgeites react to school-wide cellphone ban lift
After last week’s announcement of the controversial school-wide cellphone ban lift, Ridgeites are weighing in on what it means for their children’s safety, what other options schools might consider, and whether or not they agree with Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina’s decision.
The lift comes after eight years of backlash from parents and elected officials opposing the policy that prohibits cell phones and electronic communication devices such as iPhones and iPads inside schools.
Under the new regulation (A-413), these devices will no longer be banned from school buildings, and principals and their teams will decide for themselves what they will do in terms of regulating use—from storing the cell phones once students are inside the building to allowing the use of mobile devices for instructional purposes in some or all classrooms.