Parents sue to lift city's public school cellphone ban

Eight New York City parents, saying they are concerned for the safety of their children, have sued the city over its ban on students having cellphones in public schools.

Attorney Norman Siegel said his clients sued after city officials "callously refused" to discuss or listen to concerns

"The ban needs to be lifted so a vital communication link between parents and student can continue," Siegel said.

The lawsuit does not ask that cellphone use be allowed during classroom hours, but before and after school, he said.

Siegel said the policy, in effect since 1988, is illegal and unconstitutional because it interferes with parents' rights to oversee their children's safety. He said the ban was arbitrary because it was begun without regard to any specific, demonstrated facts.

City education officials, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg's support, have said cellphones are disruptive and distracting, can be used for cheating on tests and can be used to coordinate gang activity.