Governor Hochul Unveils Plan to Restrict Smartphone Use in Schools Statewide and Ensure Distraction-Free Learning in New York

NYSUT President Melinda Person said: “Today marks a critical milestone in our efforts to create distraction-free learning environments, ensuring our schools are sanctuaries for learning, growth and true connection. This movement is growing and getting stronger every day and brings together parents, teachers, law enforcement and local officials who all recognize the critical importance of providing children with a day of school free from pressure from social media and other distractions. I want to thank Governor Hochul for making student mental health a top priority and for her clear commitment to the success and well-being of the next generation.

United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said: “The UFT supports a statewide cell phone ban, with safeguards, because educators see the negative impact of cell phones in their classrooms every day. Safeguards include ways for parents to reach students; funding for school districts to implement a plan; uniform disciplinary policies; and projects that do not make educators the first and only means of enforcing the law. We believe Governor Hochul understands these concerns and we look forward to working with her and the Legislature to achieve this.

NYS PTA Vice President and Yonkers parent Roberto Rijos said: “As a father of three, my wife and I fully understand the concerns about the use of smartphones in classrooms and schools. Our classrooms and schools must remain places of learning, collaboration and cooperation where our students continue to thrive – without unnecessary distractions. We thank Governor Hochul for truly listening to parents, families, educators, students, the NYS PTA, and other stakeholders when crafting this legislation – which balances the boundaries of common sense to support the learning and socialization in the classroom, and includes allowances for necessary use of devices in certain instances, while providing local control and feedback in local policy-making. The health, well-being and mental health of our children are a top priority, and we are ready to be a partner in measuring our mission for every child, with one voice.

Julie Scelfo, founder and executive director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), said: “Many of us thought we could give these tech products to our children and teach them how to use them safely, but there is no ‘safety’ when they are designed to be addictive. Smartphones distract children and make it harder to concentrate and learn, and also replace critical real-life experiences and interactions that are essential for healthy development. We welcome Governor Hochul’s proposed legislation to place consistent statewide restrictions on smartphone use during the school day, thereby protecting students and supporting authentic, distraction-free learning in our schools.

Anika Bhupati, a year 8 student at Farnsworth Middle School, said: “Focusing in school and engaging in activities is simply easier without the constant distraction of apps and phones. I think it’s great that Governor Hochul is helping more kids get away from scrolling and get back to exploring our true interests and having fun with friends.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: “Student use of cell phones during a rapidly developing school emergency is a distraction that could compromise the safety of students and school staff. State Police and local law enforcement will support school districts in implementing new cell phone policies as part of their school safety plans.

NAACP New York State Conference Education Chair Christine Waters said: “The New York State Conference of the NAACP supports Governor Hochul’s initiative to restrict the use of smartphones in schools statewide to eliminate distractions and create a learning environment optimal in our schools that positions New York’s children for academic success. We look forward to working collectively with parents, students, teachers and school administrators to develop consistently implemented policies that follow a statewide standard using best practice models that encourage increased use responsible for technology and meeting the needs of our students and teachers. We strongly believe that we must do this without adding to the codes of conduct additional barriers to students’ studies, such as the inclusion of zero tolerance policies that would see them removed from the classroom for an indefinite period.

State Senator Patricia Fahy said: “If students are distracted in class, they don’t learn. As we strive to help every New York student reach their full potential, significantly reducing cell phone use in classrooms is a critical and long overdue step. Firm and reasonable restrictions on cell phones are essential to creating learning environments in which students can focus and ultimately thrive. These policy proposals are the result of a powerful coalition of parents, teachers, school staff and experts, proposing concrete strategies for school districts and teachers to begin reducing cell phone use in the classroom. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the state legislature to make this happen this year for our parents, teachers and students.”