KENMORE, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul is traveling around the state talking with people about how to best address the issue of students using cell phones in schools.
Right now, there's a patchwork of cell phone policies across the state with each district having different rules. However, the Governor's idea is that a statewide initiative could help alleviate the challenges that come with allowing students to have their cell phones in class.
"We have to recognize that this is a problem. As an adult, I recognize it's an addiction. We're not going to suspend kids for this type of thing, we're going to, you know, we have to deal with it," said Assemblymember Bill Conrad.
That's why Governor Kathy Hochul is spending part of her summer meeting with students, teachers, and parents to figure out what to do on a statewide level to deal with cell phones in the classroom.
"Young people are very smart. When they need their cell phone unlocked from the pouch to go to the restroom, they may not be doing that. They may also be looking up an answer to a test question," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Then, there's the issue of mental health.
"We just want kids to be kids again. We want them to be able to have that, you know, experimentation to have fun and not be filmed and be humiliated later for it. And I think that bullying part and that mental health part is such a big part," said Assemblymember Bill Conrad.
If there were to be a statewide cell phone policy, one of the big issues that has to be worked out is who will enforce the rules.
"You make a connection with a kid, and you have their attention, and when you have to be that cell phone policeman, that makes it difficult for that connection to exist," said Matthew Chimera, KenTon School Board President.
Governor Hochul says one district near Albany is already seeing positive results after banning phones for the past two years and described a conversation she had with its superintendent.
"He said we brought in local law enforcement to tell the parents that the worst thing that your child could do if there is a crisis, or a mass shooter event, is for your child to be distracted on finding their phone, fumbling, communicating with their parents instead of listening to the trained adult at the front of the classroom who can lead them to safety," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The state legislature isn't back in session until January, so any statewide policies would not be in place in time for the start of this upcoming school year.