Local News

Hochul proposes cellphone ban in New York schools

WAER | By Robert Beck

Published January 22, 2025 at 12:16 PM EST

An animated scene depicts a lively classroom. Students of diverse appearances sit at desks, each holding a glowing smartphone high in one hand with determined expressions. Their postures exude defiance and confidence. The classroom walls feature a large map of New York State, brightly colored and prominently displayed in the background, adding a regional context to the scene. The lighting emphasizes the soft glow from the phones, contrasting with the warm tones of the classroom environment. — Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for a statewide ban on cellphone use for K-12 students in schools.

Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for a statewide ban on cellphone use for K-12 students in schools, aiming to enhance focus and mental health.

She wants the policy to start next fall and has requested over $13 million to support schools in enforcing the ban.

Currently, eight states have already implemented similar restrictions on cellphone use in classrooms. The proposal now awaits legislative approval.

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Robert Beck

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.

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