New York's Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a "bell to bell" ban on cellphones in public schools, set to begin next school year. This initiative aims to minimize distractions from addictive technology, paralleling past protective measures against cigarettes and alcohol. While specifics of the ban's implementation haven't been finalized, schools will have flexibility in managing students' devices, with exceptions for medical needs and language assistance. If enacted, New York will join several states with similar restrictions, despite concerns from parents about emergency communication.
"We've protected our kids before from cigarettes, alcohol, and drunk driving, and now we're protecting them from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention," Hochul said.
"Bell-to-bell" bans like the one Hochul described are meant to remove the distraction altogether by restricting access during school hours, often over the objection of parents who say they want to be able to reach their kids during emergency situations.
Schools would have some flexibility over how to implement it, with districts deciding how to store students' devices during the school day.
New York would join at least eight states that have enacted measures banning or restricting students' use of cellphones in schools.
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