ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Hochul launched a statewide listening tour on Monday to begin a conversation around smartphone use in New York State schools.
The ongoing discussion will include educators, parents and stakeholders who play an important role in creating a statewide policy. A proposal on smartphone use in schools will be announced later this year, Hochul said.
“We can help our young people succeed in the classroom by ensuring they’re learning and growing – not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. “That’s why I’m working with all stakeholders across the state to develop effective solutions on smartphones that help protect our kids’ mental health and deliver the best results for our schools.”
Monday's roundtable, held at Guilderland High School in Albany, had administrators and teachers from several districts in attendance.
More conversations will take place over the next few months with more parents, students and advocates.
In Fall 2023, Pew Research Center showed 72% of high school teachers said students using their phones in class is 'a major problem.' Some of the schools that already have phone policies however said it's 'very difficult to enforce.'
Hochul's latest legislative push continues her efforts on youth mental health and wellbeing to create a 'safer digital environment.'
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