School Officials Move Ahead to Ban Cell Phones at BHS

By Aziley Crespo

The school board has moved forward with its plan to ban cell phones from Branford High School next year and is considering extending the ban to 7th and 8th graders at the middle school.

Last month, the board proposed the policy – officially 5950 – to ban all student personal electronic devices – cell phones, laptops, earphones, and other wearables – which would go into effect the next school year. Under the proposed policy, students would be allowed to only use district-issued digital devices in school.

Part of the proposed ban includes the use of Yondr pouches to store cell phones during the day. The funding for the Yondr pouches is coming from a $31,000 grant for 1,000 of them secured by Superintendent Christopher Tranberg.

Last week, the Board of Education approved a first reading of the policy which is required in order to officially approve it. A final decision is expected to be made at the June 4 Board of Education meeting.

Connecticut is one of several states now encouraging school districts to adopt policies that promote healthier technology use. A 2023 advisory from the United State Surgeon General highlighted links between excessive social media use and mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among adolescents.

“Last year the U.S Surgeon General put out a national warning about cell phones,” Tranberg said. ”Our governments, including Ned Lamont, took action and decided he wanted policies to change regarding phones in schools.”

Junior Morgan Cheslock doesn’t think that requiring students to put away cell phones in the pouches will necessarily help students.

“So many students are going to feel unsafe,” says Cheslock. “Taking away phones will do the opposite, I think the policy [we have] now is effective”.

Tranberg said he acknowledged concerns voiced by students and parents, especially regarding safety and communication during emergencies

“In case of an emergency cases can be cut open,” Tranberg said. The district also has new security measures in place this year and next, which includes more security in the schools, he said.

In hopes of easing students’ worries about the policy, more specifically not being able to contact home during school or in case of emergency, more security will be added next school year in addition to improved security precautions, Tranberg said.

Proponents of banning cell phones in schools say that the benefits outweigh the inconveniences.

“Essentially giving back the time for relationships,” Tranberg said. ”Eating together at lunch, instead of getting all the updates on phones.”

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable updates come not from screens, but from conversations over a shared meal. The proposed phone policy wasn’t created to upset students, but to support them. It’s intended to foster healthier habits, deepen social bonds, and create a more focused school environment, he said.

“I hope everyone gives the policy a chance,” BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias said. “People might be surprised on how they feel when they are disconnected to tech and more connected through conversation.” 

This is a call for a chance to reevaluate the role of technology in our daily lives in school. Panagoulias encourages students to see this not as a restriction, but as an invitation to rediscover the joys of presence, of listening, and of being heard. The policy was implemented in more of a way to help students more than to do harm. 

“It’s natural for all people to have a first reaction, it’s really important to take a step back to reflect and learn about the why,” Panagoulias said.