New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is calling on the governor and state Legislature to impose uniform restrictions on cellphone use during the school day, citing the detrimental impact of digital distractions on education and student mental health. The appeal, made during a December 9 event at the state Capitol, was backed by a coalition of educators, healthcare professionals, child advocates, and law enforcement officials.
“Research has shown that adopting a phone-free school policy is one of the most impactful steps you can take to enhance student educational outcomes, behavior, and well-being,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “We have an opportunity to provide children with an average of seven hours each school day to be fully present and free from the pressures and harms of phones and social media.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, Chair of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee, stressed the importance of action. “If students are distracted in the classroom, they’re not learning. Seriously reducing the use of and access to cellphones in classrooms is a critical and overdue step,” Fahy said. “A powerful coalition of parents, teachers, school staff, doctors, and law enforcement agree — we need a plan now to address this growing problem.”
State Senator Andrew Gounardes echoed these concerns, pointing to the addictive nature of smartphones. “Smartphones in school are an addictive distraction that makes kids more anxious, isolated, and depressed,” Gounardes said. “Restrictions on smartphones during the school day help ensure young people have the school experience they deserve.”
Law enforcement officials also voiced their support. “It’s going to make your school safer,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple, calling the proposed legislation “a no-brainer.”
Educators and administrators from districts that have implemented cellphone bans shared their successes. David Rounds, President of the Bethlehem Central Teachers Association, described a transformation in student behavior. “Our halls are lively again, conversation has come back, and I see their smiles, I see their eyes, and I have witnessed firsthand their engagement improve almost immediately.”
Superintendent Dave Blanchard of Schoharie Central School District noted similar changes after implementing a cellphone ban three years ago. “On day one, our teachers noticed students engaged with each other, talking through problems, and working out issues rather than trying to solve them on a cellphone.”
The mental health impacts of cellphone use were also highlighted. Blanca Gonzalez-Parker, President of the Guilderland School Board, warned of increased anxiety and bullying exacerbated by social media. “Cellphones have increased bullying and a new level of despair among victims, who face the fact that photos and videos can live on social media indefinitely.”
Lysa Mullady, President of the New York State School Counselor Association, described the social challenges facing students. “There’s a false sense of belonging coupled with a craving to view, post, repost, like, and comment. The constant fluctuation of inclusion and exclusion creates tremendous anxiety.”
Advocates, including David Monahan of Fairplay and Julie Scelfo of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), called on state leaders to prioritize children’s well-being over Big Tech profits. Anthony Harmon, President of the NAACP New York Branch, urged that any policy be applied fairly, especially in communities of color.
Students themselves have noticed the benefits of cellphone restrictions. Schoharie High School senior Jax shared, “When we don’t have phones, we connect with each other, and I was able to make friends unbelievably fast. When we disconnect from phones, we connect with each other.”
NYSUT and its partners hope the governor and Legislature will act in 2025 to create distraction-free school environments that foster authentic learning and mental well-being.
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