Cell phone bans in CT schools: What are teachers and kids finding?

Superintendents in four districts Connecticut school districts that implemented cell phone bans over the past few years are seeing improvements in a number of areas.

Officials in Torrington, Waterbury, Manchester and New Haven say they’re seeing fewer discipline referrals, increased student engagement, and some are reporting marked improvements in academic achievement. Students and education officials in those districts say the ban has also improved students’ mental health, focus and morale, leading to positive outcomes all around.

State Rep. Jennifer Leeper D-Fairfield, co-chair of the state’s Education Committee , said Friday that she will prioritize a bill on cell phone-free schools statewide “so we can join 31 other states plus the District of Columbia in ensuring our schoo