Reality Check: Will Cell Phone Bans Save Your Sanity?

It’s time for your monthly Teacher Policy Reality Check — and this one’s a hot topic: cell phone bans.

With 26 states now mandating restrictions and New York rolling out “bell-to-bell” policies, educators are left wondering: What does this actually mean for my classroom?

In this episode, Leah breaks down the policy jargon, translating what lawmakers say into what teachers are now expected to do — including becoming unofficial phone police. Drawing from 25+ years of experience, she shares strategies that actually work, like the charging station trick and a relationship-first approach to phone management.

🎧 In this episode:

• What “bell-to-bell” really means (and why it’s not that simple)

• The truth behind the “emergency contact” excuse

• Real-world implementation questions no one’s addressing (fire drills, anyone?)

• How to manage phones and treat students like people

• Why mandates miss the mark on real classroom management

Leah gets real about the gap between policy and practice — with relatable stories, professional insight, and permission to question the headlines.

Perfect for teachers navigating new phone rules, admin seeking practical implementation tips, or anyone wondering what this policy shift means for the people doing the actual work.