Cell Phones Banned During Bristol Twp. School Day

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — Schools Superintendent Michael Nitti has addressed the school community regarding the district's ban on cell phones during the school day.

"As we look forward to the start of the 2026-27 school year, we wanted to reach out to ask for your help in emphasizing to your children and our students the importance of appropriate, mindful, and respectful cell phone use, both in school and at home," Nitti said.

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As you most likely know, improper or overuse of cell phones can create several issues for educators and the students we serve, including challenges that negatively impact teaching, learning, student mental health, and district safety, security and operations.

A 2026 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory calls the topic of constant youth cell phone and social media use "an urgent public health issue" and calls to "reduce the roles of screens in the lives of our nation's children."

The negative impacts of screen time can be summarized into four key areas of child and adolescent well-being: cognitive and emotional development, physical and metabolic health, educational outcomes, and mental health and substance use.

The start of the school year is an excellent time to remind students that they need to learn to be responsible users of cell phones and discerning users of social media.

The cell phone/smart technology rules/procedures include the following devices:

• Cellphones and smartphones
• Smartwatches and AI-enabled glasses or devices
• Tablets and iPads
• AirPods, earbuds, and headphones
• Any other communication or recording device not issued by BTSD
• Video/Filming of any staff or student in a school without their expressed permission is prohibited.

These are the policies at each school level:

Elementary Schools

• Students must turn off their cell phones upon arrival at school.
• Cell phones should not be visible during normal school hours; they should be placed in backpacks or other storage.

Middle School

• Cell phones should be off and away before students enter the building. All phones should be stored in lockers during the school day.
• Phone/Airpod/Earbud/Headphone use will not be permitted in the hallways, locker areas, auditorium, cafeteria or gymnasium prior to first period.

Truman High School

• Students may continue to bring their devices to school; however, all electronic devices must be turned off and stored out of sight from the beginning bell to the ending bell of each class period.
• Students may use their devices before 7:13 a.m., after dismissal at 2:13 p.m., during transitions between class periods, and in the cafeteria or library during their assigned lunch. Exceptions will also be provided when required by an IEP, 504 Plan, or documented medical need.

Additionally, students who need to contact a parent or guardian can use the phones in their school's main office.

If parents/guardians have an urgent concern or family emergency, please contact your child's school's main office. They can reach any student, for any reason, at any time.

"Our cell phone policies are designed with students' best interests in mind to foster a safe and productive learning environment," Nitti said.