Governor Hochul Advocates for Cellphone Restrictions Amid Concerns
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that banning cellphones in schools during incidents like shootings is beneficial for children, arguing these devices could compromise their safety by revealing their locations to potential threats.
Her remarks on Sunday followed the implementation of a contentious policy prohibiting cellphone use in New York classrooms, which sparked debate among parents eager to maintain contact with their children throughout the school day.
"I shared these concerns myself," Hochul (D) stated during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," responding to worries expressed by parents regarding the potential danger of their children being unreachable in emergencies.
"What I learned from law enforcement is that if there’s a shooter nearby, your child should not possess a phone, as it could reveal their whereabouts," she added. "It’s crucial for them to concentrate completely on the teacher, who has undergone extensive training."
New York is joining over a dozen states in enforcing a bell-to-bell ban on phones within schools. Currently, 39 states enforce some restrictions on cellphone use, with at least 18 states, including Washington, D.C., having adopted comprehensive bans during school hours.
The directive is influenced by emerging studies on the negative effects of cellphones on student learning. Last year, psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s book "The Anxious Generation" gained significant attention and prompted lawmakers to reconsider cellphone policies in educational settings.
Although Hochul enacted the policy in May, the abrupt transition in New York City has unsettled some parents. "In the event of a shooting, how will my child contact me?" voiced parent Ebony Holmes.
Governor Hochul acknowledged that "adjusting to change can be difficult." She questioned, "Why have we allowed children to have such a distracting device at their disposal for the past decade?"
"Students aren’t utilizing their time for learning or engaging with peers. In schools that permit cellphones, the hallways are eerily quiet," she remarked.
Her administration pointed out insights from law enforcement and educational leaders regarding the potential chaos and false alarms that cellphone usage can generate during emergencies.
“The involvement of mobile phones can be a significant distraction that endangers both students and staff during a rapidly evolving crisis,” stated New York State Police Superintendent Steven James.
Additionally, Hochul referenced an op-ed by Albany Sheriff Craig Apple and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person, who stressed the necessity for students to remain focused during emergencies.
"In the event of a crisis, it’s imperative that students pay attention to directives and remain aware of their surroundings," Apple and Person emphasized. "Worse still, phones can inadvertently lead attackers straight to students, as they may emit sounds or light, making them visible targets."
Hochul’s team also mentioned that schools should have established protocols for notifying parents promptly during emergencies to provide reliable information.
The governor assured that her decision was made thoughtfully and anticipates that, as a result of this policy change, children in New York will emerge as more knowledgeable, well-adjusted, and capable adults.
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