Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) is contemplating a ban on smartphones in New York schools to improve student safety and ensure their attention remains on learning.
Hochul expressed concerns about the impact of social media on students during school hours in an interview on MSNBC Thursday morning. “Why are our young people on their devices all day long during school hours? How are they learning?” she questioned.
The governor highlighted the negative effects of addictive algorithms that keep students engaged with their devices, isolating them from real-world social connections. She proposed a low-tech solution—flip phones without internet access—so that parents can still communicate with their children in emergencies.
“You don’t have to be in the world of social media throughout the day,” Hochul stated.
Hochul indicated that she plans to introduce a bill later this year, aiming for lawmakers to vote on it in next year’s legislative session. In the meantime, she intends to engage with parents and educators to discuss the potential ban.
“I want to have conversations first. I think talking to the parents—this is something they would welcome,” she said.
