NY Governor Wants to Outlaw Smartphone Use in Schools between the Bells
A New Proposal to Improve Learning Environment and Student Mental Health
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to introduce legislation that would restrict smartphone use in schools statewide. As part of her budget address, Hochul proposed a “bell-to-bell” restriction on smartphone use, which would mean no use of cellphones in school cafeterias, halls, or bathroom stalls.
A Listening Tour Reveals the Need for Additional Measures
Hochul’s proposal comes after a listening tour through New York’s educational system highlighted the need for additional measures to make the learning environment distraction-free and to preserve student mental health. Many of the city’s more than 1,500 public schools already restrict cellphone use, but Hochul believes a complete ban is necessary to achieve these goals.
No Sneak Peeks Allowed
Under the proposed legislation, students would not be allowed to use their smartphones during school hours, except for specific exceptions. This means that students would not be able to sneak peeks at their phones in school cafeterias, halls, or bathroom stalls.
$13.5 Million Investment to Help Schools Implement the Plan
Hochul proposes investing $13.5 million to help schools implement the new plan, which would ban unsanctioned use of any Internet-enabled device on school grounds between the bells. Schools would still be able to allow students to bring their smartphones onto school property, but would be required to develop their own plans for storing, collecting, and distributing the phones.
School Officials Raise Concerns
Some school officials have expressed concerns that their districts would not have the resources or staff to collect, store, and return hundreds of phones per day. They also raise questions about whether the policy would increase the risk of suspensions for students who don’t comply.
Exceptions for Medical Needs and Learning Disabilities
Under the governor’s policy, there would be exceptions for students who require smartphones to manage medical needs, learning disabilities, and for non-native English speakers.
Deadline for Passage
Hochul is including this proposal in her budget package, which has a deadline of April 1 to be passed by the State Legislature.
Conclusion
The proposed legislation aims to improve the learning environment and student mental health by restricting smartphone use in schools. While some school officials have raised concerns, the proposal has the potential to make a positive impact on students’ academic performance and overall well-being.
FAQs
* What is the proposed legislation?
+ The proposed legislation would restrict smartphone use in schools statewide, allowing only sanctioned use of Internet-enabled devices during school hours.
* Why is the legislation necessary?
+ The legislation is necessary to make the learning environment distraction-free and to preserve student mental health.
* How would schools implement the plan?
+ Schools would be required to develop their own plans for storing, collecting, and distributing phones, and would receive $13.5 million in funding to help implement the plan.
* Would there be exceptions to the policy?
+ Yes, there would be exceptions for students who require smartphones to manage medical needs, learning disabilities, and for non-native English speakers.
