Exclusive | NY parents push lawmakers to back Hochuls smartphone ban over fears Dems watering it down: Must not take the wrong path

A group of parents is pushing lawmakers to back Gov.Kathy Hochul’s proposed ban on cellphones in schools – as concerns grow that politicians are getting cold feet over the plan.The 11th-hour groundswell comes as state lawmakers have made moves to allow local districts to have leeway over the ban, with fears that will mean administrators backing off a full-day prohibition.“At this critical moment, legislators must not take the wrong path,” the advocates said in a pointed letter to legislators, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.The letter blasted state Assembly and Senate Democrats for separate proposed bills that would give the New York City Public School System and other school districts more latitude instead of a full ban.

That could mean phones in between classes — in hallways and during lunch, recess and study periods, advocates warned.“While a classroom ban — which merely prohibits phones from being used during class time — may appear reasonable in theory, [the Senate and Assembly bills] would make the governor’s proposed policy meaningless,” the letter stated.“Bell-to-bell policies are crucial because they create lively engagement throughout schools, in hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds.

A classroom ban means that kids will continue to succumb to the lure of their phones and social media when the class bell rings.”The governor’s plan, included in her executive budget proposal for 2025-26, would require mobile phones be stored away until dismissal.Lawmakers are expected to adopt the 2025-2026 budget by April 1.The letter was signed by representatives of parents groups, including Parents Collective Inc; Phone Free Action; the Phone Free Schools movement and numerous others.“While arguments for local control in education are generally compelling, cell phones pose unique problems,” the advocates for phone free schools said.

“Research is abundant and clear.Cell phones in ...