New York City is planning to reinstate a ban on cellphones in schools, a move that could take effect as early as January 2025. The decision, announced by David Banks, the chancellor of New York City Public Schools, and Mayor Eric Adams, is in response to concerns that cellphones have become more of an addiction than a distraction for students.
The ban will apply to all schools across the five boroughs, many of which already have their own cellphone restrictions in place. These were implemented at the school level after the citywide ban on phones was lifted in 2015. The new ban is expected to be more comprehensive and consistent across all schools.
The decision has sparked a debate among parents and students. Some parents worry about losing touch with their children during emergencies, while some students argue that they need their phones for part-time jobs or family caregiving responsibilities. However, others support the ban, citing the distraction caused by cellphones in the classroom.
The city’s leaders are currently working out the details of the policy and are expected to announce the official ban in the coming weeks. This move follows a similar decision by the Los Angeles Unified School District to ban student cellphone and social media use starting next year. The trend reflects a growing concern about the impact of cellphones on students’ academic achievement and overall well-being.
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