New York Teacher’s Union to Host Statewide Conferences on Cell Phone Ban
The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) will host a series of "Disconnected" conferences across the state to address the effects of cellphones and social media on children, schools, and education. The events aim to help school districts minimize distractions for students and promote a distraction-free learning environment.
Event Locations
The conferences will take place at the following locations:
- January 30: Rochester, NYSUT Rochester Regional Office, 30 North Union Street
- February 5: Plattsburgh, SUNY Plattsburgh Hawkins Hall, 205 Cornelia Street
- February 6: Suffern, Crowne Plaza Suffern-Mahwah, 3 Executive Boulevard
- February 13: East Amherst, Casey Middle School, 105 Casey Road
- February 27: Syracuse, Drumlins Country Club, 800 Nottingham Road
- March 5: Long Island, Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road
Governor’s Proposal
The event is closely tied to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 executive budget, which proposed new statewide standards for distraction-free schools. The plan includes restrictions on cellphone use during school hours, with exceptions for health or instructional purposes. Schools would receive funding to implement their policies by September 1.
NYSUT’s Stance
NYSUT President Melinda Person spoke at a joint budget hearing in the legislature, emphasizing the importance of providing students with a distraction-free learning environment. She stated, "In some places, they are able to do things, simply saying, ‘All kids must keep their phone for the entire duration of the school day in their locker.’ And so that might work in one particular setting. In other places, they don’t have lockers, right, in other buildings. And I think that’s why this [student cell phone ban] proposal includes local discretion with regard to people deciding what works for our community, what works for our school."
Conference Objectives
The Disconnected conferences aim to bring together educators, administrators, parents, and students to discuss how to manage technology in schools and minimize distractions in class. Topics will include the impact of mobile devices on children’s mental health, strategies for balancing technology and traditional learning, and ways to promote responsible digital citizenship.
Previous Conference Success
The 2024 Disconnected conference attracted nearly 500 attendees, and NYSUT represents over 700,000 members in education, human services, and health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is the purpose of the Disconnected conferences?
A: The conferences aim to address the effects of cellphones and social media on children, schools, and education, and provide strategies for minimizing distractions in class. -
Q: What are the event locations?
A: The conferences will take place at various locations across New York State, including Rochester, Plattsburgh, Suffern, East Amherst, Syracuse, and Long Island. - Q: What is the Governor’s proposal regarding cellphones in schools?
A: Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 executive budget proposes new statewide standards for distraction-free schools, including restrictions on cellphone use during school hours, with exceptions for health or instructional purposes.
