The cell phone ban has taken effect at Bow High School, and its constituents (the students) have spent a few months now in the post-ban era. On June 27, 2025, newly elected governor of New Hampshire Kelly Ayotte signed a multipartisan bill calling for school boards to enact new policies to ban the use of cell phones during school hours. The Bow School District quickly answered the call, adopting policy JICJ to address the issue at the October school board meeting.
Back when the bill was passed with bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and the Senate, students feared the ban would have severe detrimental effects. And, although the ban has naturally been unpreferable for many students, the student body has adapted quite well. Mrs. Marcy Kelley, superintendent of SAU 67, praised the student body, saying, “I feel that our students have done a fantastic job with the new bell to bell ban on cell phones.” She added, “I'm very impressed with how well students have handled it.” It’s really a testament to the resilience of the students, staff, and parents of BHS! Students weren’t the only ones who felt apprehensive about the new cell phone ban. Mrs. Kelley stated, “I was very worried coming into the school year about the impact it could have on our schools[,] but the impact has been so positive.” In fact, recently, Governor Ayotte released a report on the good results of the cell phone ban, traveling to Campbell High School, Bedford High School, and a middle school in Nashua. In her release, Governor Ayotte commented, “We’re already hearing great feedback — classrooms are more focused, lunchrooms are lively again, and students are reconnecting with each other.”
So what do the students have to say about the cell phone ban? “It’s a little dumb,” said junior Gabe Abberton.“They basically cited a problem, said something had to be done about it, and then they just did something about it without thinking how it would help.” Such feelings are understandable. At the same time, everybody at the high school is doing whatever can be done to increase student autonomy while still prioritizing focus in the classroom and following state laws. Autonomy was another point students brought up. Another student, junior Milo Cocola, said the cell phone ban constituted “a blatant intrusion of private life in Bow High School.” He, however, did concede that “it does encourage students to have in- person conversations,” connecting with a statement by Mrs. Kelley that there are more “kids talking with one another.” “The hallways and cafeteria are loud and full of interaction with friends,” Mrs. Kelley had noted.The teachers, also, had opinions of their own. Mrs Mallory Niemaszyk, a history teacher here at Bow High School, said, “I think the phone policy has helped maintain student engagement, especially in my elective classes. I also notice that students are not reaching for their phones during class time.” Mrs. Niemaszyk had initially worried about the cell phone ban, saying, “A hesitation I had at the beginning of the year was how often we would all feel the need to gravitate to our phones, as we have become so conditioned and connected to them. But I noticed that for the students, and even myself, I am not feeling the need to check my phone.”
Mrs. Niemaszyk added that she (thankfully) has not caught many students on their phones this year. “My classes this year are very large, so I notice that if students arrive at class early and I am passing papers back, I catch them sometimes pulling out their phone. However, it has been very rare for me, luckily.”
Another topic of discussion that has frequently come up throughout the beginning of this year is what the consequences are for students who are using their phones. According to the JICJ school board policy that was implemented by the school board, the first offense results in a warning being given to the student. Multiple offenses will result in communication with the student’s parent or guardian, and potentially also a talk between the student and school administration. Repeated violations “may result in progressive disciplinary action, consistent with the district's Code of Conduct.”
In conclusion? The cell phone ban may have its downs, especially among students in the student body, but nothing insufferable. At the same time, there have been lots of good effects from the bill. It will be both interesting and important to see how this issue progresses in future years, and to see if the consequences are really lasting.