NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WKBW) — Many conversations are happening about the possibility of banning smartphones in classrooms across New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul is considering it and now she is getting full support from the state's largest teachers union.
The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) board voted unanimously on a resolution in support of a “bell-to-bell” ban.
I spent some time at Gaskill Preparatory School in Niagara Falls where a phone ban is already been in place.
Inside their classrooms, there are no smartphones to distract students and they're engaging with their teacher.
“Who wants to read the first line?" the teacher said, and students raised their hands.
Gaskill Prep already had a smartphone ban in place last school year.
"This year has been even better than last year. it's really kind of a non-issue,” remarked Derek Zimmerman, principal.
Principal Zimmerman told me some parents have safety concerns.
“What we've asked parents — trust us, the adults that we practice these drills, that you can get a hold of your child, but the safest place for your child to be, if something like that is going on, is locked down in a classroom and not on their phone, alarming everyone else that's on the outside of the building,” Principal Zimmerman explained.
The NYSUT resolution approved last week supports a state-wide smartphone ban, but it said restrictions should be designed locally with input from parents. Zimmerman agreed.
“I think you still have to make the decisions on the local level because there’s going to be a lot of nuances to however that school decides to roll out the rule, you know, are they going to allow them in the hallways? Are they going to allow them in the cafeteria?” Zimmerman noted.
At Gaskill Prep students are asked to place their cellphones in their lockers while they're in the classroom.
“I haven't taken away a single cell phone this year,” declared Lynne Neveu, teacher.
Gaskill's 7th-grade social studies teacher told me she's noticing a big difference.
“I was a teacher here when we did allow cell phones, and it's a night and day change. The kids are focused. They're not distracted. There's like, less online bullying,” Neveu said.
Students told me they're okay with the ban.
"So how do you feel about the cell phone ban here?” I asked.
“I think it's helpful, because it's not that much of a distraction, and we can learn,” responded Jenessa Beamont, student.
"How do you feel about the cell phone ban?” I asked.
“I think it's important, because a lot of kids get distracted, even with little things, so if cell phones were allowed, it would be a little bit of a distraction than now,” replied Giavona Briggs, student.
“What's the most important thing that you wanted your cell phone for in a classroom?” I asked.
“Probably watching TikTok,” reflected Briggs.
The school leader says the parents have been great.
“This year, we've had zero complaints from parents, zero,” Zimmerman commented.
