(NewsNation) — As students across the U.S. head back to class, a growing number of schools are implementing phone bans.
At least 35 states have introduced laws or rules limiting phones and other electronic devices in schools, according to The Associated Press. New York joined the ranks in September, with new statewide bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. Under the new regulations, school districts across the state developed their own policy with plans “that work best for their buildings and students.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the restrictions, posting on social media “When we get smartphones out of the classroom, this is what happens: engaged students, positive energy, and real growth.”
Florida became the very first to lead the charge back in 2023, with Kentucky, Texas, Ohio and Missouri rolling out their own bans since then. As part of the new policies, school districts are requiring students to store phones away in lockers for the whole school day or in provided lockable pouches. Educators and lawmakers behind the policy changes cite reduced distractions, improved student focus and limiting cyberbullying as some of the reasons for the restrictions.
“A law in New York wouldn’t have happened without the teachers. And they really did an amazing job working hand in glove with the legislature, the governor, outside groups like ours,” Raj Goyle, founder of Phone Free New York told NewsNation. “And they said, we are sick and tired of being phone cops, we want to teach in the classroom.”
But not every state or family is onboard with restricting phone use. Lawmakers in Michigan have rejected in enacting a statewide school phone ban in July. Meanwhile, parents have voiced security concerns about students not being able to get in touch with them or 911 if an emergency took place at school.