The Newburgh Board of Education, recognizing that there is a time and place inside the school for cellphone use, has sought to limit them.

The district recently approved a deal with Yondr, Inc., a supplier of cell phone pouches that are designed to limit access to phones, without actually taking them away from the students.

Once the cell phone is placed inside the pouch, the pouch is locked for the time of the event or the duration of the school day. While the cell phone is locked away, the pouch will remain with the student. If a cell phone starts to ring or vibrate, then that person will need to access an unlocking base. An unlocking base, similar to devices that remove magnetic tags from clothes in stores, will open the pouch so as to access the cell phone. Once the call is completed, the phone will go back into the pouch.

Once the program is fully implemented, it will be used for all students in grades 6-12.

While the plan has overwhelming support among school board members, it is not unanimous. There are concerns about the difficulty in enforcing the policy and the inevitable questions about limiting the basic rights of students.

But educators generally agree that cell phones can be a distraction in school. The allure of social media, instant messaging and online games can easily divert students’ attention away from classroom activities, undermining their ability to focus on lessons. While schools can do little to limit cyberbullying outside the classroom, they have an obligation to protect the emotional and physical well-being of students inside the classroom.

A number of school districts, notably Pine Bush, have sought to limit cell phone usage through their code of conduct. Of particular concern in Pine Bush were the instances of students posting and circulating online videos of fights taking place on school property.

Cell phone use has also been linked to cheating during exams and other in-school assignments.

There are other real-world dangers. Excessive screen time has been linked to various health issues, including eye strain, sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity. By restricting cell phone use in schools, educators can encourage healthier habits among students, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions, physical activity and proper rest.

In an age where technology has become an integral part of our lives, it’s essential to strike a balance between its benefits and potential drawbacks. Taking a proactive approach to limiting cell phone usage is the first step.