New York schools are enforcing a statewide smartphone ban this academic year, which began on September 4th. This move has already sparked a mix of reactions from students, parents, and teachers.
Some educators are praising the ban. A history teacher from Brooklyn Preparation High School mentioned, “My class has changed completely… I haven’t seen students this engaged in years.” Governors like Kathy Hochul have mandated that around one million K-12 public and charter school students keep personal devices away from the start to the end of the school day.
This teacher observed that without phones, students are more focused during lessons, actively participating and interacting with each other.
While many are excited about this change, others are concerned about the logistics—like managing cell phone storage with pouches or communal booths.
“It’s addiction.”
Another educator, Randy E. from Nassau County High School, noted major shifts in student behavior almost immediately. “It’s refreshing to see students actually talking to each other instead of staring at screens,” they said, adding that even conflicts on the playground seemed to be declining. It’s an intriguing development, considering the influence of platforms like TikTok.
John T., an English teacher in Nassau County, expressed a slight reservation about banning phones during lunch. “I feel like maybe it’s a bit extreme to not allow phones during that time,” he remarked, acknowledging that some students might feel isolated without their devices.
Meanwhile, Victoria Bilkas, a teacher from Queens, is optimistic about the ban’s potential to reduce distractions. “YouTube and gaming can be so addictive, even for younger kids,” she mentioned, noting that laptops can also be a source of distraction in classrooms.
Finding a balance
Not all students are pleased with the ban. For some, the absence of phones has created challenges, especially in coordinating with friends during lunch. For example, Sierra Mardin, a sophomore at Forest Hills High School, shared her frustrations, saying, “We can’t communicate if a friend is late; it’s tough.” This new setup has made socializing more complicated for her and many peers.
Concerned about losing touch with family, Sierra added, “The hardest part is I can’t text my parents if something comes up.” Yet, some students rolled their eyes at the fuss. Ali T., a freshman at Union Square High School, remarked that the ban didn’t change his routine much since he doesn’t use his phone in class.
Noah Dan, a seventh-grader, said that he’s never experienced a school allowing phones in class. Instead, he feels the structured environment—where phones are collected—has made lunchtime more about in-person interaction.
Despite their enthusiasm for the ban, students like Noa Dunn questioned its implications. “Having a device around could distract a lot from learning,” she noted, adding that she doesn’t have a smartphone yet.
Maximilian “Max” Davide, a fellow student, expressed support for the ban, stating, “If everyone is using their phones while learning, no one really learns anything.” However, he also noted the adjustment period, missing chances to connect with friends.
Safety concerns linger
While some parents appreciate the reduction in screen time, others worry about the inability to make emergency calls. For instance, Carladan, a mother from the Upper West Side, said she appreciated the ban, noting, “It’s already challenging to maintain focus.” Yet, she acknowledges the importance of being able to reach out quickly in emergencies.
Matthew Davidge, Max’s father, weighed in, advocating for direct communication among students. “They should be interacting face-to-face instead of through their devices,” he said.
Lindy Shindong, another concerned parent, expressed her fears regarding her daughter’s safety. “What if something happens, and she can’t get in touch with me? It’s a worrying situation,” she said, reflecting on broader concerns, like school shootings.
