New York state’s teachers union is calling on lawmakers to implement a ban on cell phones in school.
The New York State United Teachers gathered a coalition of partners in education, healthcare, child and family advocacy, and law enforcement together on Monday who support “distraction-free schools.”
“Kids’ personal devices have no place in the classroom. We should have never allowed that to happen,” said Julie Scelfo, founder and executive director of MAMA – Mothers Against Media Addiction. “They’re being deprived of the real-life experiences and interactions they need with their classmates, with teachers, and with other trusted adults in the school that are critical for their wellbeing and development both as learners and as human beings.”
Educators and administrators in districts where phone restrictions have been put in place shared what they’ve seen.
“I’ve been teaching for 30 years and one of my favorite things was to stand in the hallway and just talk to kids as they walk by — until cellphones became popular. Then all I saw was the top of their heads,” David Rounds, Bethlehem Central Teachers Association president. “But that’s not the case anymore. Our halls are lively again, conversation has come back, and it’s like the old days where I see their smiles, I see their eyes, and I have witnessed firsthand their engagement improve almost immediately.”
Three years ago, Schoharie banned cellphones and Dave Blanchard, Schoharie Central School District superintendent said it’s made for a more positive environment. “On day one, our teachers noticed students engaged with each other, talking through problems, going into our school counseling office, working out issues rather than trying to solve issues on a cellphone,” he said.
Added Lysa Mullady, president of the New York State School Counselor Association, “Students are attached to devices and using them in place of human connection. There’s a false sense of belonging coupled with a craving to view, post, repost, like and comment as part of a number of ‘followers.’ The constant fluctuation of inclusion and exclusion creates tremendous anxiety.”
In September, Gov. Kathy Hochul said a potential state ban on cell phones in schools was becoming clearer ahead of a summit on cell phones in schools Sept. 20. Hochul has publically stated that New York needs such a ban.
The move would likely be announced at Hochul’s State of the State address in January, according to Newsday.
The ban, if passed, would take effect for the 2025/26 school year, Newsday reported. Union and PTA officials told Newsday they spoke with the governor about giving districts local control on how to implement the prohibition. Some options could include special lockers or cell phone pouches.
