New York State considers school cellphone ban
Hochul proposes banning cellphones in NY schools
New York Governor Kathy Hochul laid out her $252 billion state budget proposal on Tuesday. One of the biggest takeaways from it was to implement a statewide school cell phone ban and she’s devoting $13.5 million dollars to make it happen. FOX 5 NY’s Jodi Goldberg has reaction from several Long Island districts.
NEW YORK - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in her budget address on Tuesday afternoon legislation to ban smartphones in schools.
What we know:
The plan, which would require legislators' approval, would take effect next school year and force students to disconnect from their phones and other personal devices while at school, including in class, during lunch and in hallways:
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- Starting next school year, every student will be required to disconnect from their devices during school hours.
- Schools will have flexibility in how they implement them.
- There are exceptions for medical reasons, to assist non-English speakers and for students with learning disabilities.
- The state will provide financial support for the transition.
Meanwhile, New York City was considering a school cellphone ban last year, but abandoned the plan due to parents' concerns.
What they're saying:
Hochul has for months hinted at a potential school cellphone ban and said limiting access to smartphones during school would help students focus in class and improve their mental health.
"As a result of these conversations, I am announcing today a proposal that will transform our classrooms. Return them to a place of learning and that is a new statewide policy to make classrooms in the state of New York distraction free," Hochul said.
The other side:
Cellphone restrictions elsewhere have often run into opposition from parents who argue that they need to be able to contact their kids in case of emergencies.
What we don't know:
Hochul announced the plan as part of her budget proposal for the coming year and said the state would provide $13.5 million to help schools implement the cellphone bans. It wasn't immediately clear how much support the proposal might have in the Legislature.
Big picture view:
At least eight states have enacted measures banning or restricting cellphones in schools, and several other states have encouraged districts to enact restrictions or provided funding for equipment to store phones.
At least three other governors have recently proposed similar school cellphone restrictions.