Cell Phones Banned in All Classrooms in New York

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that cell phones will be banned in all classrooms in New York State. New York will be the first state in the nation to ban cell phones in all classrooms. The ban does not begin immediately, but rather with the 2025-26 school year.

Specifically, the ban is for children in grade school, not college. Hochul says the ban frees students from the strains and pressures of social media and allows them to focus on learning. The governor says parents will still be able to contact their children when absolutely necessary through the district.

Hochul says there will be exceptions for people with disabilities, language barriers, and other accessibility concerns. She also says this ban will be flexible and able to be adjusted as they learn more.

A War is being raged for our children's minds. Kids are being besieged with addictive algorithms, toxic social media... Cell phones can be so manipulative they can be addictive like a drug.

The governor said cell phones are more of a problem for kids than anything, and that several school districts are in support of the measure to ban cell phones.

Some districts have already adopted cell phone bans and say they've seen immediate improvements in education and behavior.

The governor referred to the classroom as a "sacred space" that needs to be protected.

Cell phones have become a major distraction for kids and teachers in classrooms, negatively affecting learning, self esteem, and focus. Opponents of the ban are concerned over safety and communication. Fears of parents not being able to directly contact their children on their cell phone is especially stressful for them due to the large amount of school shootings across the United States over the past two decades.

The governor says that the last thing parents concerned about communication during a mass shooting event should want is their kids to be distracted by a cell phone, Hochul stressed how important it is for kids to listen and pay attention to teachers and professionals during dangerous times like these in order to keep them safe.

95% of teenagers now own a cell phone or have access to one. Society is still trying to adjust to a digital age, as new rules and guidelines slowly develop around the instant spread of information, regardless of its merits, truth, or agenda.

You can watch the Governor's full press conference below.

Do you like the move? Let me know! Pat @WBUF.com