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New York's Governor Proposes School Smartphone Ban 📵

Smartphones in Schools: A New York Game-Changer for Kids' Learning

May 19, 2025

New York's Governor Kathy Hochul is taking a bold step to help students focus and connect better in school. Her proposed plan? Banning smartphones during the school day.

Why This Matters for Kids and Parents

Smartphones can be super distracting. They pull students away from learning, talking with friends, and paying attention in class. Governor Hochul wants to create a "distraction-free zone" where kids can truly engage with their teachers and classmates.

What the Smartphone Ban Means:

  • No phones in classrooms

  • No phones in hallways

  • No phones during lunch or study halls

  • Exceptions for medical needs or special learning situations

The Big Problems Smartphones Cause:

  • Less face-to-face communication

  • More bullying through social media

  • Mental health challenges

  • Reduced time for reading, sports, and fun activities

Words Of Wisdom

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”
- Winston Churchill

What Parents Need to Know

Don't worry! The plan includes ways for parents to contact their children during school. Schools will create communication systems to help families stay connected.

A Survey Says...

Four out of five people support removing phones from schools. Parents and teachers agree that smartphones are hurting kids' ability to learn and connect.

Expert Voices

Ryan Burdick, a middle school teacher, says smartphones are removing meaningful interactions between kids and adults. He believes these devices are keeping children from developing important social skills.

What Can Parents Do?

  • Talk to kids about healthy technology use

  • Create phone-free times at home

Bullet Points:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation to ban smartphones in New York schools.

  • The proposed ban aims to reduce distractions, social alienation, and mental health issues among students.

  • Exceptions to the ban will be considered for medical and educational needs, with a $13.5 million fund envisioned to aid schools with implementation.

  • Although the proposed ban enjoys broad public support, concerns about reaching children in emergencies persist.