The smartphone scene in New York schools is set to change come next fall, but exclusions in the recently minted "bell-to-bell" ban are sparking questions among educators and parents. As reported by Gothamist, certain groups of students – those with healthcare needs, disabilities, or those who are caregivers – will have permission to use smartphones. Others will be relegated to "non-internet enabled phones" only.
A concern, as noted by parent and disability advocate Paullette Healy in her statement to Gothamist, is the potential stigma facing students with disabilities who will be singled out due to their reliance on smartphones for support in class. This concern also applies to migrant students who rely on devices for translation, as noted by Kristi Jones, a Manhattan teacher, who pointed out the difficulty these students may have in avoiding distractions from social media platforms like TikTok.
Governor Kathy Hochul's push for the ban, backed by research pointing to increased distraction and exacerbating social media's toxic effects, seems to have majority support from teachers and parents despite these concerns, Gothamist reports. Mayor Eric Adams is also on board, with City Hall spokesperson Zachary Nosanchuk indicating a commitment to finalizing the policy's language and funding details.
Enforcement specifics are still being determined, as Chalkbeat outlines various approaches schools may take to implement the ban. Safeguards such as monitoring disciplinary actions by demographic groups are in place to help ensure equitable enforcement. The New York Civil Liberties Union has noted potential concerns regarding increased student policing, while state law prohibits suspensions based solely on violations of smartphone use policies.
Mike Stivers, a Brooklyn high school teacher, believes the ban is overdue but expressed concerns about the logistics of phone storage and the liability questions that come with such policies to Gothamist.
When it comes to the exemptions spelled out, the recent release of additional policy specifics via Chalkbeat notes the inclusion of medical needs, IEP mandates, academic requirements, and family caregiving as reasons for smartphone access. Notably, 'non-classroom time' like lunch won't mandate phone collection, with Hochul emphasizing the cruciality of pupils not having access to their devices during these periods to minimize distractions.
Ongoing discussions about parent-student communication during school hours and the need for student access in emergencies reflect logistical considerations related to the new regulations. Former Schools Chancellor David Banks stated that parents often contact their children during the school day, a practice that may be affected by the policy. As school districts across New York City move to implement their versions of the ban, each is expected to address the specific characteristics of its student population and community. In accordance with state guidance, districts are expected to work with families in developing compliance strategies, according to Chalkbeat.
