ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul attended the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) conference Friday in Albany. There, she spoke to health care professionals about the concerns of cellphone use with children.
Hochul emphasized her opposition to students' cell phone use in schools for their safety and mental health. She added that students are not developing necessary social skills.
"When it comes to the school day, I want our kids to be kids again. I want them to talk to each other in the hallways. I want them to yell and talk to each other in the school yard. I want them to communicate during lunch time. I want them to develop the interpersonal relationships that are not occurring right now."
Hochul also said phones are a dangerous distraction during a time of crisis in the classroom.
Over 500 people attended the conference along with the governor, elected officials, educators, students, and more.
“Those of us who are in schools everyday see that the constant use of personal electronics — not just phones, but earbuds, watches and other distractions — are impacting our students’ ability to focus, to connect with their fellow students, to be present in reality and to engage in authentic learning,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said.