By: Darshini Dayanidhi
Kathleen Hochul is an American politician and lawyer who has served since August 2021 as the 57th governor of New York. A member of the Democratic Party, she is New York’s first female governor. When Hochul embarked on her statewide listening tour this year, she focused solely on addressing smartphone use in schools. “We can help our young people succeed in the classroom by ensuring they’re learning and growing – not clicking and scrolling,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why I’m working with all stakeholders across the state to develop effective solutions on smartphones that help protect our kids’ mental health and deliver the best results for our schools.” A statewide policy proposal on the issue will be delivered later in the year. Hochul also highlighted that most schools across the state have individual policies on cell phone usage.
The Williamsville Central School District is currently doubling down on its usual policy that’s been in effect for the last few years. Students can use their cell phones during free periods and in the cafeteria/library. Teachers have full discretion over cell phone usage in their classrooms and they share their expectations with students on the first day of school.
East Side News put out a survey to gain insight into how WEHS feels about the potential phone ban policy that will take effect if Governor Hochul wishes. 91% of students responded that they had heard some inkling about the policy before taking the survey. 47% said that they were not in support of the policy while 17% said they were. Another 26% stated that they were “still on the fence” about the issue. Next, students were asked why they picked the choice they did on the survey. One divulged that “We are told we are given the responsibility of adults, for example, the freedom of having no walls and the freedom to choose where to go during free periods. However, if the phone ban was put into action we would no longer have the freedom of choice, as it is advertised.” Another student declares, “I’ve taken regents, honors, and APs at East and feel that lower motivation and distraction is higher in regents level classes and more regulations are needed there.” The last most heartbreaking response was, “What if there’s a mass shooter at the school and I have to use my phone to call the police?? It would’ve seemed unlikely a few years ago but now it is a regular occurrence across the US. I want to have some last words with my parents if that happens.”
It is safe to say that there is a lot of controversy regarding the policy. If opinions about the phone ban are so diverse in WEHS then one can only imagine how much broader the spectrum will be for all NYS schools. There are both positive and negative aspects to the policy depending on how an individual decides to look at it. The pros include reduced distractions, improved social interaction, enhanced academic performance, and decreased cyberbullying. While the cons include limited communication in case of emergency and loss of an educational tool. Student responses to ESN’s survey touch on many of these points.
Several other states have already enacted the ban including Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia. Liberal and Republican states have passed the ban. It is not a political party issue anymore. It is simply, adults being concerned about the younger generation and their education/mental health. Pennsylvania and Delaware have taken it a step further and have allotted millions of dollars in grants for schools to purchase lockable bags for students’ phones.
In the end, the debate over banning smartphones in schools reflects a broader conversation about balancing freedom and responsibility. As Governor Hochul moves forward with her plan, it’s clear that finding a solution that considers both the well-being and independence of students will be key. Whether this policy proves to be a step forward or an obstacle remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that the conversation around it will continue to evolve, shaping the future of education in New York and beyond.
