As New York lawmakers debate Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed ban on cell phones in schools, a coalition of parents is urging them to fully support the initiative. The ban, part of Hochul’s 2025-26 executive budget, would require students to store their phones away for the entire school day.
However, some lawmakers are advocating for a more flexible approach that allows local school districts to set their own policies. Parents fear this compromise could weaken the effectiveness of the ban and allow schools to continue permitting phone use outside of class time, such as in hallways, during lunch, and during recess.
Advocates Demand Full-Day Phone Ban to Prevent Distractions and Boost Learning
In a letter addressed to key legislative leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the parents’ coalition criticized alternative proposals from the Assembly and Senate that promote partial restrictions rather than a full ban.
They argue that allowing students to use phones between classes undermines the purpose of the policy, as students will still be drawn to their devices whenever possible. The letter emphasized that a comprehensive “bell-to-bell” ban is essential to maintaining student engagement throughout the school day, preventing distractions in both classrooms and common areas.
Supporters of the full-day ban cite growing research that highlights the negative impact of smartphones on students’ learning, mental health, and social development.
The letter, signed by various parent advocacy groups such as Parents Collective Inc. and Phone Free Schools, pointed out that excessive phone use has contributed to declining student performance, particularly in reading and math, since the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocates stress that a school environment free from digital distractions would encourage students to focus more on academics and foster stronger face-to-face social interactions.
Concerns Over Student Safety, Teacher Burden, and Legislative Opposition to Full Ban
Beyond academic concerns, parents also highlight the potential dangers associated with unrestricted cellphone use in schools. They warn that students may be exposed to harmful content, online bullying, and even criminal activity, such as purchasing fentanyl-laced drugs or interacting with online predators.
Additionally, the letter notes that enforcing a limited classroom-only ban would create significant challenges for teachers, forcing them to police phone use rather than focus on instruction. By implementing a full-day restriction, schools can remove this burden from educators and create a more structured learning environment.
Despite strong advocacy from parents, some lawmakers remain skeptical of a statewide mandate. Assembly Education Committee Chairman Michael Benedetto has defended a more localized approach, arguing that school districts should decide their own policies.
He also believes that students should have a say in how phone use is regulated. While acknowledging the concerns raised by advocates, Benedetto and other lawmakers worry that Hochul’s proposal may be too rigid. As the state budget deadline approaches on April 1, the debate continues, with parents pushing for a strict ban while lawmakers weigh the merits of local control versus statewide enforcement.