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Superintendent says in-class cell-phone restriction showing early gains in focus and discipline
Summary
Superintendent reported initial student feedback and staff observations that restricting cell phones during instructional time has increased engagement and reduced office referrals, though students and staff noted access and music-listening tradeoffs.
Cuyahoga Falls City School District Superintendent Dr. Selico told the board on Sept. 11 that initial feedback from students and teachers shows the district's decision to restrict cell phones during instructional time is producing measurable benefits.
Dr. Selico summarized that students reported they are "more productive" and "better focused" in class, citing anecdotes that some students' screen time at home declined because phones are not available during the school day. Teachers reported higher engagement, and the superintendent said the district has observed students who were previously disengaged becoming active participants. A student with medical concerns noted the loss of immediate access to a parent was an adjustment but told staff he had adapted.
Board members added that early discipline metrics appear positive: one board member said office referrals at Bullock Elementary were down 66% compared with the prior year. Members discussed practical challenges including teachers needing alternative ways to share information with students, classroom use of music for focused work, and technical glitches with some programs on Chromebooks.
Dr. Selico said administrators will monitor implementation and asked teachers to hold to the new expectations, noting the policy is still in a "honeymoon" phase and may need tweaks. The superintendent and board discussed possible adjustments (for example, allowing music in certain study contexts) but no formal policy changes were proposed at the meeting.
