Gov. Hochul's $252B Budget Includes School Phone Ban

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a $13.5 million budget allocation to support the implementation of a cellphone ban in schools, aiming to create 'distraction-free learning environments.' The funds would reimburse schools for costs such as purchasing lockable bags or other storage solutions. This initiative responds to concerns about the negative impact of smartphones on student mental health and academic performance. The ban, part of Hochul's $252 billion budget proposal, would allow districts to devise their own methods of enforcement, pending legislative approval. While supported by many teachers and a majority of voters, some parents express concerns about communication in emergencies. New York will join 19 other states with similar cellphone restrictions in schools.