Banning cellphones was a start. Next up: Tackling tech
A student leaves his cellphone in a basket before the start of class. Credit: Randee Daddona
New York State's cellphone ban in schools was successful in its first year of implementation. Now, state leaders and education policymakers — with input from teachers, parents and students — need to build on that success by evaluating other technologies used in the classroom.
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, a survey of 585 school officials from across the state, including Long Island, found that 80% said the cellphone ban had "positive results for their school."
Three in four educators who responded said there were "positive changes in classroom behavior" and their "ability to teach effectively improved" because of the ban. Other key statistics: 60% of respondents said bullying and cyberbullying were down, and 80% said student social connections improved.
While the governor's survey isn't scientific, it's anecdotal proof that the ban is benefiting children by improving classroom engagement and behavior.
But state lawmakers and educational leaders can't stop there.
Fresh off the cellphone ban success, Hochul has her eyes set on limiting screen time across all grades, especially for younger students. It's a move that has been gaining traction throughout the country as educators, parents, lawmakers and even kids themselves come to grips with the risks of excessive time spent huddled over a digital device.
The average kid between the ages of 8 and 18 spends more than 7 hours a day on their cellphones, tablets and laptops. In the wake of COVID-19, which saw a needed rise in laptop accessibility for every student, schools smartly are adjusting how much classroom time kids spend staring at a screen.
Some schools are phasing in grade-by-grade limits, recognizing that older students need to use tech for some lessons. But for younger ones it makes sense to change course. Daily and weekly limits are being proposed, and Los Angeles just adopted a policy that will requires limiting screen time on a sliding scale that gradually increases by grade.
The danger is real. Kids who spend hours upon hours on screens day after day are more susceptible to a host of issues, including obesity, sleep disorders, and social and emotional issues including depression and anxiety. This is a public health crisis unfolding afflicting our children in real time that must be addressed with comprehensive guidance.
It's not just screens. Teachers unions nationally and in New York are calling for limits on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. AI poses troubling risks, especially for younger students. But there are potential benefits. Rather than allowing students to have unfettered access to AI during school hours, high school students should be taught ethical and responsible use of AI while making sure that foundational critical thinking skills are emphasized.
New York shouldn't abolish all technology in the classroom, but the state should significantly limit and monitor its use. The cellphone ban worked. Now the state should tackle screen time and AI use by students during the school day.
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