New York’s Smartphone Ban in Schools Shows Positive Results
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) addressed an audience at Schuyler Middle School in Brooklyn’s Bushwick area, sharing insights from a statewide study regarding the ban on smartphones in schools.
The law, enforced for the entire school year, is reportedly yielding beneficial outcomes for students, teachers, and parents.
This legislation prohibits “unauthorized use of smartphones or other internet-enabled devices” during the school day, including lunch and recess.
According to Hochul, “Social interaction among students has increased significantly, especially in the hallways and during lunch.”
Schools have the flexibility to decide how to store devices, with options ranging from lockers to special pouches designed to hold phones securely.
The policy extends to public school districts, charter schools, and cooperative service boards.
A survey conducted by Hochul’s office gathered input from 585 educators and administrators from different grades, with a near-even split between participants from New York City and other regions.
“Eighty percent noted improved student attitudes and increased engagement. They felt less pressure and began to participate actively in discussions,” Hochul expressed. She also highlighted the teachers who felt they could finally focus on teaching.
Specific responses included 311 noting higher participation in discussions, 282 citing enhanced collaboration, and 273 observing better task focus.
Interestingly, instances of bullying have reportedly declined, with 60% of respondents mentioning fewer incidents of both traditional and cyberbullying.
“Students were able to navigate their day without harassment,” Hochul remarked.
Ziad Attia, a senior at Blind Brook High School in Westchester County, shared his perspective, stating, “There’s been a noticeable increase in social interaction among students, especially during lunch and in the hallways.” He added that while students must keep phones in lockers, they can use them if out of sight.
On the flip side, Guy Gaughran, a student at Blind Brook College, expressed skepticism. “Students will always find a way to use their cell phones, regardless of rules,” he said, observing that enforcement is often left to administrators rather than teachers. He noted seeing students using their phones in restrooms and hidden corners.
While it’s evident that some students try to circumvent the policy, enforcement remains a challenge in schools with looser storage protocols.
As of this spring, at least 38 states and Washington, D.C. have implemented similar restrictions on student phone usage in schools. Hochul stated, “I fought hard to remove phones from New York schools because children thrive when they’re engaged in learning, not distracted by their screens. These results affirm that our policy is effective.”
