Parents urge Neshaminy SD to restrict classroom device use and consider phone ban

A pair of parents used the public-comment period at the Neshaminy School District board meeting to urge the board to tighten classroom technology policies and consider banning personal smartphones in schools.

Alyssa Ivasca, a Levittown resident and parent, told the board she and other families are concerned about high Chromebook and cellphone usage in classrooms and said she will work with other parents to bring forward policy recommendations. "Our children are less cognitively capable than we were at their age," she said, quoting research she referenced in materials left with the board. Ivasca asked the board to "stay open-minded" and to determine what is within district control before expecting large numbers of parents to mobilize.

Chris Lyman of 1251 Taylor Drive urged immediate action to curb phone use, saying school-level rules can make a measurable difference. He cited multiple studies and recommended a "hard ban" on phones—"If we find it, we confiscate it," he said—and suggested showing the documentary The Social Dilemma to eighth-graders as a classroom discussion prompt.

Speakers framed the requests as pro-learning rather than anti-technology, asking the board to compare state requirements, district authority, and examples from other districts and to develop fair, sustainable policies. Commenters referenced state legislation (SB 1014) and other reforms scheduled to take effect in 2027 as part of their rationale.

The board did not take formal action on device or phone policy during the meeting. Board members and staff did note that policy review materials can be circulated to the board in advance, and the superintendent's office will be able to outline what elements fall under district versus state control as discussions continue.