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Cell phone ban in schools ready By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Tim Baker/Herald
Magical Mystery Doors rocks Massapequa Hundreds gathered at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Aug. 5 as Magical Mystery Doors brought rock nostalgia and inventive musical fusion to life during the Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars concert series. Story and photos, page 10
MPK Village resident reminds board of its many civic duties to residents By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Longtime Massapequa Park Village resident John O’Brien, 82, offered a civics lesson to the Village Board of Trustees during its Aug. 11 meeting, emphasizing the importance of local government and the role of the board in upholding democratic principles. “To be an incorporated village is an important thing,” O’Brien said. “The village is the first line of democracy, and the Village Board is the front line of public officials. It’s your job to make sure that the foundation of democracy stays good and strong.” O’Brien reminded board members that the village has a “rulebook” — a set of regulations that keep the community livable — and urged
trustees to be more proactive in enforcement. He cited people riding bicycles on sidewalks in the Park Boulevard business district as an example of rules being ignored and not enforced. With new residents moving into the village, many with young families, O’Brien suggested reviving the “welcome book” that was once given to newcomers to help familiarize them with village rules. He concluded his remarks by reiterating the need for educating residents about the village’s regulations and ensuring those rules are enforced. O’Brien speaks from experience, having served as a Village trustee, deputy mayor and member of the Village Ethics Board. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Beginning this school year, all public and charter schools in New York — including 129 on Long Island — will be required to enforce an in-school ban on student use of cell phones. A new state law aimed at reducing distractions in schools, called the “Distraction-Free Schools” law, mandates a “bell-to-bell” restriction on internet-enabled devices throughout the school day, including noninstructional times such as lunch, recess and study halls. School districts were required to submit their compliance plans by Aug. 1, which had to outline enforcement procedures, device storage methods, allowable exemptions and systems for parent communication. To support implementation, the state has allocated $13.5 million — about $10 per student — to help schools purchase secure storage solutions such as locking pouches or lockers, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said in January when announcing the proposal. “This comprehensive plan ensures that New York’s standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our
kids and educators.” More than 60% of New York voters support “bell-to-bell” smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools, according to an April poll by Siena College. A 2024 Pew Research Center report found that nearly threequarters of high school teachers and one-third of middle school teachers nationwide consider phone use to be a major classroom distraction. The New York State United Teachers union has been a strong advocate for the ban. Natalie McKay, a NYSUT board director, said full-day restrictions are more effective than limiting phones only during class time. “Right now, we are saying it’s a priority for us to protect the mental health of our students for seven hours a day,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said when the legislation passed earlier this year. “During that time, they’re going to be distraction-free — not exposed to gaming, social media, or other things that take them away from the reason they’re at school, which is to learn.” While the law sets a statewide standard, local districts have flexibility in how they enforce it. Some are opting for cultural shifts over high-tech tools. In some elementary schools, students may keep silenced phones in backpacks or lockers. Others require middle school students to store phones in the main office, accessible only when necessary. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2