ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Today marks the deadline for New York state schools to submit their plans for implementing cellphone bans, following Governor Kathy Hochul’s bell-to-bell initiative aimed at eliminating distractions in the classroom.
Governor Hochul is encouraging schools to develop their own strategies for storing smartphones while ensuring students can contact their parents during the day. She believes this initiative will foster a more focused learning environment and help limit cyberbullying.
The state has allocated $13.5 million for purchasing lockable storage devices, such as Yondr pouches, which require a special tool to unlock. Some local districts have already adopted this method.
So far, Guilderland High School, Albany High School, and Troy High School have submitted their plans to use sealed pouches. Niskayuna High School and Shenendehowa High School plan to have students keep their phones in lockers or a designated storage area. The Watervliet School District has been cellphone-free for years.
Governor Hochul said the feedback on the initiative has been positive. Schools have until the end of today to submit their plans for banning cellphones.