Ithaca City School District recorded a 64% increase in disciplinary referrals after a statewide student phone ban took effect, according to The Ithaca Voice.
Phone violations accounted for 29% of all referrals last school year, including 775 issued to middle and high school students.
In a district survey, 47% of students said the ban reduced screen time, while 17% said they felt less distracted.
Students may keep their devices in district-provided Velcro-sealed pouches, but some students and staff said phone use continued during the school day.
The school board delayed changes to the policy Sept. 8 and requested more data after another month of using the pouches.
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