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Controversial cell phone policy gets positive feedback from students, staff

Illing Middle School in Manchester has students put phones in an electronic pouch that unlocks after the school day.

MANCHESTER, Conn. — Cell phones are a big topic in schools across the state. Gov. Ned Lamont introduced legislation requiring a model policy for students’ phones during the school day. Now, state officials are getting feedback on a policy in Manchester that locks students' phones while they are in class. 

At Illing Middle School in Manchester, students have cell phones locked away for the entire school day, and state officials may be eyeing that policy for the rest of the state.

"It would just distract me because I don’t turn it off," said Madison Trudeo, a seventh grader. 

Lamont took a page out of the lesson book, learning from students about their school's new pilot cell phone program.

Seventh and eighth graders at Illing put their phones in a Yondr pouch at the start of each day. They carry it with them, but a magnet locks it until the end of the school day.

What started as a controversial program for the school community is now a shining example for other schools across the state.

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"I like the Yondr pouch because you’re used to not being on your phone so when you go home you have more quality time or maybe even go outside," said Trudeo. 

Lamont heard directly from students and teachers about the impact of the program.

"I’m loving it, we don’t have the distractions. There was so many distractions based on phones," said John Burkhardt, a 7th-grade science teacher. 

State officials are worried about the social disruptions and the learning disruptions cell phones and other devices can cause in school.

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Teachers said while there was pushback at first, it looks like the program is benefiting kids even outside of just curriculum.

"I love the fact I see kids talking to each other, they’re socializing," said Burkhardt. 

Lamont raised a bill to make a model cell phone policy across the state. The Legislature would need to take that up this session, and if they do, this policy is one that likely will come up in discussion. 

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Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on FacebookX, and Instagram

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