New Haven schools launch phone-free pilot program for students [Video]

NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – New Haven has announced a pilot program making all schools in the district phone-free.

This initiative will require students to put away their smartphones during the school day, joining a growing trend among school districts to limit device use.

The program was initially implemented in a few schools last year. Eighth grader Grace Sherman, who participated in the pilot, expressed her mixed feelings about the policy. “I’m not going to lie, I hated it really bad. There were times I wanted to break the pouch; I needed my phone,” she said. “I came to school to learn, not be on my phone. I can do that at home.”

Starting in January 2025, approximately 19,000 elementary and middle school students will be required to go cell phone-free. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker emphasized the need for this change, stating, “The reality is cellphones, texting, and social …