“The Advocate Investigates” is a recurring series in which The Advocate Editors complete an in-depth exploration across media platforms about an issue affecting the Jonathan Law community. This month, the editors investigated the first 30 days of Milford’s cell phone ban in high school. Through a series of articles, surveys, podcasts, and videos, the editors obtained feedback from students, faculty, and administrators about the cell phone ban, which debuted at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

By Calder Costantini, Tyler Lilly, Taylor Mola, and Tiana Rosiak – Advocate Editors

The 2026-2027 school year has been in session for just over month, and so has the new phone ban enacted by the Milford Public Schools. 

Among the faculty at Law, many agreed that the new policy is a positive change for students.

“I feel it’s provided students with a break from the ‘noise’ of social media,” Law Principal Mr. Darcy said. “It also allows students to be on task, engaged and speaking with each other in classes across the school. The results are better than I expected to be honest. All students and staff understand why this is so important to us all.”

Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini said students have adapted well to the new policy.

“The transitions from last year seem to be going smoothly for most students,” Ragaini said.  “I haven’t had many issues coming to my desk. Most students have been following the procedure.”

Students and staff have had a range of opinions on the new restriction.

“I feel like students have been more focused during class,” Math Teacher Mrs. Francisco said. “I see more students helping each other, having conversations, and even reading books once they finish their work.”

Senior Sophia Colangelo said not having a phone has been beneficial.

“I think it stops me from constantly checking my phone which makes me get more work done in class,” Colangelo said.

Numerous teachers and students have noticed these changes in the productivity of their work and how classes are run now.

“I feel that the students who were distracted by the phones are definitely more engaged with the work that is in front of them,” said English Teacher Mrs. Goldbeck. “Some students may still be acting, but for the most part the students are getting to work immediately upon entering.”

Spanish teacher Mrs. Trombetta agreed with Goldbeck.

“I’ve noticed a big difference in student engagement and overall focus in class,” Trombetta said. “In my language classes, students are definitely relying less on translators and are more willing to use what they know, work through things on their own, and ask questions when they need help.”

Some teachers have found this phone ban impacting the way various assignments are done with not being able to use phones. Choir Teacher Ms. Jones has developed ways she can still have students create what they need despite the ban.

“I think my students mostly didn’t use them besides when told before the ban, I was stricter before so I think this just eliminates the outliers,” Jones said. “I added a press release pass so kids can still use their phones to help us in class.”

While the phone ban has proven to be positive for some teachers, like Technology Teacher Mr. Barcello, they have found that they don’t mind the ban much and haven’t noticed a huge difference from previous years.

“Honestly, not much has changed from my point of view because in some of my classes – like TV Studio – my students need their phones sometimes to do their work,” Barcello said. “When that isn’t necessary, I feel like the kids have been really good at stowing them away.”

Many teachers express the benefits of the phone ban in their classroom. Junior Ray Porzelt also showed his appreciation. 

“The phone ban has helped me focus and understand my teachers a lot more; it definitely makes school seem more engaging,” Porzelt said.

According to History Teacher Mr. Lui, the phone ban has already made a noticeable, positive difference in the classroom.

“I think it has definitely helped with productivity,” Lui said. “Students are more focused, and there are just fewer distractions throughout the class. Now I feel like students get started on their work quicker and are more likely to actually use the class time they’re given.”

Science teacher Mr. Koorejian has also noted a positive impact on his students’ focus in class.

“Kids seem a lot more engaged and less distracted,” Koorejian said. “I’m not sure if I see them ‘doing more work’ but they are much more attentive to what is happening in class and what other kids have to say during discussions, etc.”

The focus on cell phones this year has left varying effects on students and teachers. Though Law staff members have voiced their positive opinions on the ban, some Law students have felt differently.

“Kids could easily leave their phones in classrooms, people could take them, and during fire drills it’s just not convenient for the teachers,” freshman Liliana Magazine said. “Keeping them on kids increases safety, they wouldn’t get lost or stolen, and during fire drills we can prioritize getting out of the building.”

Junior Anwita Puttam said she sees both sides of the cell phone ban issue.

“While I believe that the phone ban was somewhat needed, I don’t think that they should punish everyone for the handful of people who abused their phones in class,” Puttam said.

Sophomore Malachai Warren hopes that the policy is loosened in the future.

“I think that this phone ban needs to be changed to something that’s less strict,” Warren said.