Tejal Somvanshi
New York authorities will announce in two weeks their decision to ban cell phones in public schools, asserting that the use of these devices is affecting students’ development. “We’re working out the kinks on this, and we want to make sure that we do it right” Chancellor David Banks told the press.”In about two weeks, you’re going to hear a big announcement from us’he added. He explained that phones might not be completely banned, but students will be able to use them after classes, as it is true that they are a tool for communication with their families.
“We want you to be able to bring your phone to school because the minute that school is over you need to be in communication with your family, so you’ll be able to do that. But we’re going to look to have a system where you can’t use it during the school day,” he mentioned. According to The Post, Banks stated that they have determined that students do not use the cell phone for academic purposes in class, so this will not affect their studies. Additionally, he noted that there is consensus, even among the students, to completely eliminate mobile phones. “I have not heard from many schools that are using these phones for highly rigorous academic purposes in class activities,” Banks expressed.
The discussion follows last week’s signing by Governor Kathy Hochul of a law that prohibits social media companies from bombarding children with feeds considered addictive. However, just as there are those in favor of eliminating cell phones in New York schools, there are others who consider that the use of these devices can aid academically. Few have mentioned about the using devices to aid academic work and study.
Next week, New York City public schools Chancellor David Banks and Mayor Eric Adams plan to announce their initiative to reduce cellphone use in the district of over 900,000 students. With New York City’s schools under mayoral control, the policy can take effect without local board approval.
Last week, the Los Angeles Unified district, the second largest in the country, voted to ban students from using smartphones at school starting in January. This measure is supported by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has called for statewide restrictions on cellphone use.
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Florida and Indiana already ban cellphones in classrooms, and Ohio passed a law earlier this year requiring districts to limit student cellphone use.
New York City had a cellphone ban in schools until 2015, when then-Mayor Bill de Blasio reversed the policy of his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg.
