Governor Kathy Hochul Takes Bold Stand Against Cellphone Distraction in Schools

As a governor and a mom, my instinct has always been to protect children — both my own and those of others. In my role as New York’s first Mom Governor, I recognized the challenges our youth face, especially regarding the impact of technology on their education and well-being.

Last year, I spearheaded an initiative to combat the addictive algorithms driving social media platforms. Now, I’m proud to announce another significant step forward: New York is set to become the largest state in the country to implement a comprehensive ban on cellphones in K-12 classrooms throughout the entire school day.

Over the past year, I traveled throughout New York, engaging with parents, students, teachers, and school administrators. From the North Country to Long Island, the consistent message was clear — cellphones are negatively affecting our children.

Understanding the Impact of Cellphones on Youth

During one memorable discussion in a school library, I sat with a group of students who openly shared their daily struggles. They spoke of the intense pressure regarding appearance, social inclusion, and constant connectivity. With notifications buzzing incessantly in their pockets, focusing in a classroom setting became a monumental challenge.

Teachers echoed similar concerns, stating that they feel unable to compete with the screens that dominate their students’ attention. The desire to build meaningful relationships and engage students in learning has become increasingly difficult. Their insights highlighted a pressing need for change.

Parental Concerns and Student Anxiety

Parents have expressed their worries about the emotional toll of constant phone notifications and their children becoming more withdrawn. Continuous exposure to negativity through social media can overwhelm our youth, contributing to increased anxiety.

The statistics are striking. Ninety-five percent of teenagers own smartphones, and on average, they receive 250 notifications per day. Such interruptions make it nearly impossible to concentrate on learning. One student poignantly remarked, “You have to save us from ourselves,” an indication of their awareness of the problem.

Safety Considerations in Emergency Situations

I fully understand parents’ fears regarding their children’s safety without immediate access to their phones. However, law enforcement officials have pointed out that during a crisis, fumbling for a cellphone might lead students to lose focus on the instructions from safety personnel. This distraction can jeopardize their safety.

Consequently, a decisive approach was necessary. We needed to prioritize our children’s well-being and educational environment. Teachers and parents alike urged for a substantial change, leading to the implementation of this policy.

A Comprehensive Ban on Cellphones in Classrooms

Beginning this fall, students in New York will not have cellphones in their hands from the moment they arrive at school until they leave. This means no distractions from memes during math lessons and no scrolling through science assignments. Children will have the opportunity to engage fully, focus on their studies, and enjoy their childhood.

Creating a Healthy Educational Environment

This initiative matters significantly for the future of our students. I envision hallways filled with laughter, gym classes alive with real voices, and students making eye contact as they communicate with one another. Our teachers must feel free to teach without the constant battle against distractions.

Moreover, mental health is a critical issue for our students today, and I believe that social media and the influence of big tech companies should not dictate their well-being. Last year, I stated that enough is enough — the time had come to fight back against the harmful impact of addictive technology on our children.

Leading the Way in Educational Reform

New York’s initiative is unprecedented. No other state has implemented such comprehensive measures. My commitment to our children remains steadfast. The education and well-being of our families constitute a personal mission. From day one, I have vowed to protect our children, and I stand firm in this resolve today.

As we look to the future, I am confident that the next generation of leaders will emerge from New York. These future leaders will be more focused and grounded, better prepared to navigate the world around them.

This marks the last generation of students in New York who will grow up with phones in the classroom. This shift toward a phone-free educational environment will undoubtedly allow our children to learn and grow without the distractions of constant notifications. I hope other states will consider adopting similar policies for the sake of our youth.