Backed by Governor Kathy Hochul, this policy prohibits students from using personal electronic devices (including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches) from the first bell of the day until dismissal. While enforcement methods vary by district, many schools in New York City and the surrounding areas have adopted magnetic pouches to contain devices during school hours. However, New Rochelle has opted for more flexible solutions, such as requiring students to keep their devices in backpacks or in designated areas within the classroom. Students who fail to follow this code may have their devices confiscated.

 While the policy represents a significant change in daily life, not all students are feeling its effects. Some state that their day-to-day experience hasn’t changed much, raising questions about the policy’s real impact on students. Is this the beginning of a more focused, less distracted educational environment? Or could the sudden restrictions have overstepped, leading to eventual unnecessary consequences?

 Throughout the school, there are mixed opinions on this new legislation. In an interview, one security guard said, “You shouldn’t be able to carry your phones around at all, but for your lunch break, you should be able to have your phone and return it when your lunch period is over. The no phone policy allows you to be more interactive with your friends, teachers, and others [that] you probably never would have thought about having a conversation with.” They also conveyed that, “staff shouldn’t be on their phones unless it’s an emergency or for work,” claiming that teachers and security guards should lead by example, instead of disregarding the rules in front of their students. 

Beyond New Rochelle, the debate over this policy has become a common topic around New York State. Those who support Hochul’s decision claim that the ban is essential for restoring the ability to focus in class and decreasing addiction to tech in teens. In comparison, those speaking against it claim that the state is not addressing the challenges that run deeper than just “cell phone addiction” correctly. Additionally, there are questions being raised by parents about the lack of communication in the event of an emergency.

This year, schools around New York are serving as test subjects for what truly happens when you take kids off technology. The outcome of this “experiment” may determine how high kids’ potential can be without the distraction of devices. On the other hand, it may reveal truths about other issues unrelated to technology. Ultimately, time and test scores soon may tell.