The Hewlett-Woodmere school district is seeing noticeable changes both in and outside the classroom thanks to it’s newly enacted cell phone ban, especially at the high school.
Adopted on July 23, 2025, the district’s Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy prohibits students from utilizing smart phones or any other internet-enabled device capable of communication unauthorized by the district.
“Students are no longer walking with their heads down,” Dina Anzalone, the district’s superintendent, wrote in email. “We’re seeing their faces, watching them interact with one another, and witnessing genuine peer connections throughout the school day.”
High School Principal Al Bauer ordered traditional board games for students to explore socialization opportunities during school hours. When teachers pass through the school’s cafeteria and common area, they can see that students are developing stronger interpersonal communication skills and connections with their peers.
One student even asked Anzalone if the school could install a hallway clock, because they have become so dependent on cell phones to tell basic information like time.
“The change has been so complete,” Anzalone wrote.
The shift has also affected learning statewide and in Hewlett-Woodmere.
In November, governor Kathy Hochul governor’s office distributed a survey, recording over 350 responses from schools statewide that, like Hewlett-Woodmere, implemented the bell-to-bell restrictions. Their study found that 92 percent reported a smooth transition to distraction-free learning, with another 83 percent finding their classroom environments more positive, promoting student engagement.
“Our kids are finding greater success in the classroom when they’re focused on learning, not scrolling,” Hochul said.
Teachers, especially in Hewlett, have reported that students are more focused during lessons, complete more work in class, and participate more actively in discussions. The social atmosphere during lunch and passing periods is noticeably more vibrant, with students engaging in actual conversations rather than scrolling through social media.
“Cell phone use has decreased significantly since the policy took effect,” said Kaitlin Coder, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Teachers Union. “There has been significant improvement in student learning, engagement, socialization, and everything you would expect.”
Students are still permitted to use their devices outside of school, but once it enters the building, it must be turned off and stored depending on the education level. And when contacting children during the day, the district permits phone calls to the respective school office. High School students can also communicate with their families with their district-provided email address.
District officials said they plan to continue enforcing the policy as the school year progresses. “This policy represents our commitment to creating learning environments where students can fully engage and develop the social-emotional skills essential for success,” Anzalone wrote.
