Lynbrook students urge school board to modify cell phone ban

Lynbrook High School students petitioned the district’s Board of Education to modify its policy banning cell phones throughout the school day at its Jan. 11 meeting.

“The fight to permit cell phone usage in the cafeteria has been a long battle between administrators and students since the cell phone policy was first implemented in 2007,” said Sarah Swerden, the student government president.

The policy prohibits the use of phones by students from the moment they enter the school building until the school day is over. With phones evolving over the last decade, Swerden said that the edict is no longer realistic since many students use their phones to access emails from teachers and the necessary programs for schoolwork.

Kyle Hassig, a senior at the school, also spoke in front of the board. He handed the administrators a petition with more than 300 signatures from fellow students, urging them to adjust the ruling.

Hassig said that computers are limited when he’s in the library during his daily free period. “Frankly, it’s disappointing to attempt to do the right thing and study or complete homework and have the school tell me that I can’t use my cell phone when a computer is not available,” he said.

Swerden and Hassig both pushed for the board to designate the cafeteria and library as safe spaces where students are permitted to use their phones for the purposes of schoolwork.

“In 2017, we feel that cell phones contribute highly to our academic success,” Swerden said, “as they allow us to stay in touch with teachers and coaches, and use our time wisely during all periods.”

Board President William Belmont commended the students for speaking openly, but said it would be hard for the school administrators to police what students are using their devices for.

Melissa Burak, the superintendent of Lynbrook schools, said the board members would discuss the policy when they meet this month, but stressed that they are looking at it through a different lens than the students.

“The use of cell phones and social media — or should I say misuse — does not contribute to [the] educational environment at the high school,” she told the Herald. “The current policy is merely trying to keep that environment in check to prevent unnecessary conflicts.”