Albany, NY – With technology continually changing the landscape of education and presenting unprecedented challenges, New York State United Teachers is calling on the governor and Legislature to provide consistent, statewide restrictions on cellphone use during the school day.
On Dec. 9 at the state Capitol, NYSUT gathered a coalition of partners in education, healthcare, child and family advocacy, and law enforcement who support safeguarding students’ authentic learning and mental health through distraction-free schools.
“Research has shown that adopting a phone-free school policy is one of the most impactful steps you can take to enhance student educational outcomes, behavior and well-being,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “We have an opportunity to provide children with an average of seven hours each school day to be fully present and free from the pressures and harms of phones and social media. Now is the time to act on it.”