Introduction to the School Cellphone Ban
Public school students in New York will no longer be allowed to use their phones during school hours starting in September, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday. The governor said the looming ban on smartphones in schools will finally take effect this fall, in time for the 2025-2026 academic year. It applies to all kindergarten through grade 12 public schools in the state.
Details of the Ban
Hochul said New York will be the largest state in the nation to require a statewide, bell-to-bell restriction on smartphones in schools. Her victory was announced as part of the state’s FY2026 budget, and includes a $13.5 million allocation for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage space for the phones during the day. The policy applies to public and charter schools. It also requires schools to provide parents with a way to contact their children during the day when necessary.
Rationale Behind the Ban
Hochul said she enacted the policy after speaking with teachers, parents and students statewide to gather information for her report, “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools.” Per the report, the governor found that smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity. She has previously said in media reports that phone-free environments “do not compromise” student safety and help support mental health of both students and staff.
Reaction to the Ban
Parents and teachers have mixed feelings about the new policy. Veronica Miller, a mom from Staten Island, said she supports the ban to help keep kids free from distraction as they are learning. However, Christine Crispino of the same borough feels differently, citing concerns about emergency situations such as school shootings. Audra, an NYC public high school teacher, said she is “fighting a losing battle” to get her teenage students to put their phones away, but supports the ban as a “great idea.”
Implementation of the Ban
It is not yet clear how schools will store the phones. However, the new policy allows schools to develop their own plans for storing phones during the day, giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to “do what works best for their buildings and students,” according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Conclusion
The school cellphone ban is a significant step towards creating a distraction-free learning environment for students in New York. While there are concerns about implementation and potential drawbacks, the policy aims to promote learning, creativity, and mental health among students. As the largest state to implement such a ban, New York is taking a lead in addressing the challenges posed by smartphone use in schools.
FAQs
Q: When will the school cellphone ban take effect?
A: The ban will take effect in September, in time for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Q: Which schools will be affected by the ban?
A: The ban applies to all kindergarten through grade 12 public schools in the state, including charter schools.
Q: How will schools store students’ phones during the day?
A: Schools will develop their own plans for storing phones during the day, with a $13.5 million allocation to assist with storage space.
Q: Can parents contact their children during the day?
A: Yes, schools are required to provide parents with a way to contact their children during the day when necessary.
Q: What is the rationale behind the ban?
A: The ban aims to reduce distractions, promote learning and creativity, and support mental health among students.
