NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New York City Department of Education has lifted its long-standing ban on cell phones on school property, which will allow more than one million students to bring their mobile devices to school beginning this spring. To help families and students prepare for this change, the YMCA of Greater New York recommends ten tips for proper cell phone etiquette and safety in school and in the community.
“Cell phones are a major power tool of today’s young generation, but as with any tool, it’s important for our young people to learn to use them properly and safely, said Jacqueline Misla, MSW, Senior Director of Y After School, Camps and Education Services. “As this landmark change takes effect, we encourage NYC students to set an example for their peers by practicing good etiquette and safety sense when using their mobile devices – in and out of the classroom.”
New York City’s YMCA recommends the following cell phone guidelines for parents and students to help promote education, reduce distraction and protect personal privacy:
- Be a leader; comply with your school’s policy. Policies on cell phone usage will vary from school to school. Find out your school’s policies and take the lead on implementing them – others will follow your example.
- Turn it off while you’re in class – unless it’s part of the lesson. Mobile devices can be great educational tools, but they should only be used at the request of the teacher. Otherwise they should be stowed out of sight and earshot.
- Silence ringers and alerts unless otherwise permitted. Ringers can be distracting to students and teachers alike, so be sure to keep them quiet until it’s appropriate to turn them back on.
- Avoid talking loudly where others can hear you. Even if you’re between classes or have free time, others within earshot may be trying to concentrate or study. If you must speak on the phone, do so quietly and in an appropriate place that will not be overheard by others.
- Avoid taking calls and texting during face-to-face conversation. Save the multi-tasking for another time; give your full attention to those around you or excuse yourself to step away.
- Be cautious and considerate when taking – and posting – photos. It’s good digital etiquette to share photos of your friends only if you have their permission to do so, so always check before you post. When at school, be aware that your school may have regulations about taking photos while on the grounds for safety reasons; always be mindful of and follow these policies.
- Only visit safe online websites and use your school’s Wi-Fi connection. Always take care to avoid dangerous or suspicious websites. While at school, if you do access the internet from your phone, always be sure to use the secure network connection.
- Protect your personal information. Your personal information is valuable and could cause serious problems in the wrong hands. Don’t give out your personal information online or discuss it where others can hear.
- Say “no” to cyberbullying. Never participate in or tolerate cyberbullying. Alert a teacher or adult if you suspect or witness this kind of abusive behavior.
- Parents and guardians: model the behavior you want to see. Your teen learns from and looks up to you more than you may realize, so it’s important to set an example. Practice the same cell phone and digital ethics you would like to see in your child or teen.
The City’s reform on the cell phone ban in schools, announced in January, will allow individual schools’ leadership and parents to work together to create a tailored set of policies that fit the needs of students. The reform is currently under review with the Panel for Educational Policy, and took effect in schools on March 2, 2015.
About the YMCA of Greater New York
The YMCA of Greater New York is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves New York City’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In scores of neighborhoods across the five boroughs and its camp upstate, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 500,000 New Yorkers to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymcanyc.org. Follow us on Twitter @ymcanyc and Facebook at facebook.com/ymcanyc.
