Pressure is mounting on New York lawmakers to impose statewide restrictions on cell phone use in schools, with union officials, administrators, parents, students, and civil rights leaders demanding action. “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,” New York State United Teachers Union president Melinda Person said during a Dec. 9 rally at the state Capitol. “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. Now is the time to act on it.”
Person was joined by numerous state lawmakers, school and union officials, child and family advocates, and leaders with the NAACP New York Branch to push for a statewide student cell phone ban in the coming legislative session, the Press-Republican reports. “Parents share stories of kids struggling with anxiety and constant connectivity, law enforcement warns us about the role phones play in bullying, viral disruptions and safety risks during emergencies,” Person said.
The coalition at the Capitol pointed to research that shows phone bans improve engagement with teachers and other students, boost socialization and attendance, and result in less discipline and better academic performance.
“We want to create safe, nurturing environments where children can learn, grow and be all they can be,” said Anthony Harmon, president of the NAACP NY and former teacher. The coalition is calling for a statewide “bell-to-bell” ban that doesn’t require teachers or administrators to police enforcement, while also allowing students access to their phones in the event of an emergency.
3 thoughts on “New York Teachers Union, and Some Students, Push for School Phone Ban”
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BS !
The teachers and administration only favor this out of self-protection.
They are scared scatless of the students recording the Demorats propaganda
and brainwashing tactics of our students.
Many Teachers have been caught red handed gas lightning, outright lying and other
techniques from the governments MKUltra instruction manuals to manipulate
these young students !
All classrooms need video and audio feed available for the parents to check on
what these teachers are doing to these children.
their children.
Absolutely a great idea. This will allow teachers the opportunity to teach without distractions. Also benefits the students to study in peace so their brains can absorb knowledge without outside distractions. Let all school districts impose this action.
They are there to learn, not play.