Lawmakers approve bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools starting in the fall
The major change is part of the agreed-upon state budget announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul Monday evening.
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Major changes are coming to schools all across Long Island after New York lawmakers agreed to implement a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones during the school day as part of this year's state budget agreement.
“We’ve protected our kids before from cigarettes, alcohol, and drunk driving, and now we’re protecting them from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Specific details are still being worked out, but Gov. Hochul previously said schools would have some flexibility on implementing the program, including how and where to store the phones. The law is expected to include exemptions for students with medical conditions or learning disabilities.
The governor’s office says the ban would include public, charter and BOCES schools.
Supporters of the ban say phones have become too much of a distraction for students, contribute to a growing youth mental health crisis and have become problematic for teachers to enforce.
"Cellphones are a big distraction and we definitely have to get them out of the classroom," Freeport schools parent Bibi Baksh said.
Opponents include mostly parents who have been outspoken and outraged that they wouldn't have access to contact their kids in emergencies.
"That's not good," Freeport resident Edward Davis said. "I think they should have their cellphones."
Several Long Island school districts have previously considered or made individual changes to their phone policies in recent years, including Jericho, Smithtown, Brentwood and Hempstead.
Students seemed split on the issue.
"For the classroom setting, I could see why it's a good thing, but just for lunche,s I think it shouldn't be banned," Freeport High School Senior Isabella Ramirez said.
If approved, New York would join at least eight states, including California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, that have enacted measures banning or restricting students’ use of cellphones in schools.
Educators like former Brentwood Superintendent of Schools Michael Cohen worry about the logistics of implementing such a major change.
"It's going to be very interesting to see how they navigate that," Cohen said.
With a handshake deal in place, lawmakers are expected to begin voting on the $254 billion budget this week.
