New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a “bell-to-bell” phone ban in K-12 schools starting this September, aiming to create a “distraction-free environment.” The ban includes any devices that can be connected to the internet, including watches and other tablets.

As schools across New York embark on another year, teachers and faculty members are tasked with implementing and enforcing this new legislation. New York is the largest state to date to implement such a ban, which comes amidst growing concern from lawmakers over students’ mental health and academic performance.

“I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling— and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age,” Governor Hochul said at a press conference in May.

Governor Hochul has allocated $13.5 million for phone storage solutions, whether that be lockers or cubbies. She is allowing for flexibility in the way each school district chooses to enforce this new legislation, stating that schools will be reimbursed if they choose to implement more costly storage methods. 

Stephanie Sperounis, first-year teacher at Lake George Junior/Senior High School and Marist alumnus, spoke to the changes she’s seen in classrooms throughout her time as a student teacher to now. 

“As a teacher, before the ban, you were faced with a difficult choice of trying to constantly battle phone usage with a handful of students, or to keep the focus on academics for the majority,” she said.

“Since the start of the year, I have seen many students engage in more conversations with their peers and teachers and be more productive during class,” Sperounis continued. “Students seem to be paying attention to the teacher more often, knowing the consequences if they are caught on their phones.”

The Lake George school has opted for requiring students to keep their phones in their lockers throughout the day.

According to The Post-Journal, J.H.S. 217 Robert A. Van Wyck, a middle school in Queens, has chosen to utilize magnet-locked pouches that will be checked each morning by faculty to ensure the cellphone is actually inside. The pouch will then be unlocked by devices located near the exits at the end of the day.

Charter School of Educational Excellence in Yonkers, New York, however, is entering its second year with a phone ban in place. Principal Dwain Palmer notes that consistency in enforcement policies is key for cultivating a true distraction-free environment and one where education and in-person social interaction are a priority. 

“We had a lot of kids come out to clubs, we had a lot of kids interacting during lunch, in class,” education assistant Ronald Hussey said to Hudson Valley News12. “These kids know how to play the game, so if you are not consistent, they will chew you alive,” he continues.

In July, the Pew Research Center reported that 74% of U.S. adults say they would support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during class, up 68% from last year.

Parents throughout the state, however, have shown concern over potential stress that may arise from not being in contact with their children throughout the day, especially in times of emergency. 

Syracuse Police Chief Cecile noted the dangers of notification haptics, text tones and social media posts alerting others of a student’s whereabouts, potentially placing them in harm’s way.

“The last thing you want is for that child to have their cellphone go off and reveal their location,” Hochul responded to concerned parents.

Principal Palmer acknowledged safety concerns from parents. “We have phones at our front desk,” he said to Hudson Valley News12. “I’ve even gone as far as giving out my work cellphone to all families.”

While this ban comes at a time when social media usage and online interaction amongst students have never been higher, Hochul is hopeful for the legislation’s effect.

“Change is hard, it is hard, but as I did my research and studied these trends, and talked to countless parents and students about what’s happening in their lives,” Hochul said during a discussion with representatives of the Middletown school district and Orange-Ulster BOCES. 

“I know we’re on the right path,” she said. “And history will look back at us and say, ‘It is a shame it took so long.’”