NYC Cell Phone Ban: Will It Happen?

Cell phones, the tool that nearly every person uses in their day to day life. To be exact, 97% of people have a cell phone and those that fall under the umbrella of generation Z spend approximately 7 hours on their phone everyday, but will that be taken away from them? NYC school officials say they will put in place a cell phone ban, roughly 1,600 schools located in NYC might take on the new phone policy, possibly starting February 2025.

Yondr pouches are cloth pouches that are locked with a magnet. For students, they will be locked from morning to dismissal. Although both options come with an obstacle, schools will need to supply staff to collect or lock up the phones. Staff does have the fear of being responsible for the phones if anything were to happen while they were in their possession. Furthermore, Yondr pouches come with a price, these pouches cost about $25 to $30 each, schools will be spending a hefty sum of money for just the pouches.

      Teachers, counselors and Principals are convinced cell phones are the source of student’s mental issues, such as depression and anxiety. In an interview with the spokesperson for the Department of Education, Jenna Lyle says, “As the chancellor has said before, cell phones pose a serious threat to the mental well-being and safety of our students.” 

Most, if not all DOE staff members say cell phones take away learning time from students and most teachers are 21% more likely to spend more than an hour each week managing phone policies in classrooms.  

On the other hand, some parents have a different opinion about the cell phone ban.

With some interviews with staff, students and parents, parents and children seem to be on the same page of  not having such a phone ban.

Ms.Grant, mother of a student from Hillcrest high school states, “No, I don’t feel like they should take children's phones for  safety, if something happens in the school, parents or children should be able to contact one another by the  phone. Phones are for emergencies. Children should care about their grade and graduation and put their  phone down and complete their work.”

     Divya C., a student from Hillcrest high school said, “I don't think they should make  this phone ban because incase of emergencies, kids won't be able to call their parents  or in more  serious cases, call police or fire departments.” Another student named Kelly said , “I dont think it's necessary, kids will feel upset and angry which may cause problems in the school. Also, in case of an emergency, students can’t contact their parents, plus most teachers already help enforce the phone policy within the classroom with a phone call to their parents.” From these statements alone, it seems parents and students are concerned more about what could happen in emergency situations and want to be prepared. 

On  the other hand, teachers are in favor of the school phone ban. Mr.Blader, a teacher from Hillcrest  high school said, “They should take the phones because it's distracting. Imagine how much  more  children can learn when the phones aren't  involved in class. Also why are we not concerned with the amount  of time these students are  on their phone? I think we would  all be better off without the phones.”

Along with Mr.Blader, Mr. Digenakis is in favor of the phone bans as he states, “It's a great idea. Phones interrupt students' learning time, notification, games and social media etc. Students will have an easier time focusing and understanding the work in class.”

Readers, are you in favor of banning phones during school hours or not? If DOE does enforce this policy, which would you prefer, Yonder pouches or the collection of phones in the morning?