By Michaela Gordoni
America’s largest school district, New York City Public Schools, will include any “internet-enabled” devices in its upcoming phone ban.
The devices prohibited include smartwatches and tablets.
The change will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. The exception is that students may use internet-enabled devices while going to and from school but must keep them shut off during school hours.
Anyone who requires a device for medical reasons, instructional reasons or as part of an individual Education Program may be exempted, GOOD MORNING AMERICA reported July 24.
“We know that excessive cell phone use is harmful to our children’s concentration and mental health, and, with this new policy, we will finally reduce distractions as we help our students reach their full potential,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday.
Schools will be required to offer a way for families to contact students in case of emergency and provide secure ways to store devices. Schools are required to inform families about the policy yearly.
Pew Research found last month that 74% of American adults want a cell phone ban for middle and high school students, up 6% from last year’s polls.
Related: Wait…How Many States Want to Restrict Classroom Cell Phone Use?
In addition, schools can authorize device use for personal emergency situations when notified by a parent. Translation and interpretation via online-enabled devices may also be permitted, SILive adds.
“As an educator and a parent, I have seen firsthand how constant access to cell phones in the classroom distracts from learning, divides attention, and significantly impacts our students’ mental health, inside schools and at home,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “I am proud to be introducing a policy that takes input from unions and advocacy groups, families, community members, and our students into account.”
These add-ons to the ban may set an example for other states. California, Florida, Ohio and Virginia have also introduced student phone limits. Pennsylvania is in the process of implementing phone restrictions.
Three Pennsylvania state senators said in a memorandum, “Just last week, a new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities found that children who receive smartphones before the age of 13 were significantly more likely to experience serious mental health problems in early adulthood including aggression, emotional instability, and suicidal thoughts. Yet the average age for a child to have a smartphone in Pennsylvania is reportedly 10.5, a number that seems to get younger every year.”
The senators also seek a ban similar to New York’s.
Hopefully children’s well-being and education will improve because of these cellphone restrictions.
Read Next: Is Everyone in Favor of School Cell Phone Bans?
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