When students return next week, phones won’t be coming out—not even at lunch. A new bell-to-bell smartphone ban is taking effect across New York and local schools are getting ready, according to Finger Lakes Times.
Driven by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the policy blocks personal device use during the entire school day to curb distractions, bullying, and explicit content. Districts like Midlakes, Marcus Whitman, and Geneva have tailored plans for storing phones and enforcing rules.
Reactions are split. Some students and parents call the move necessary for learning. Others argue it’s overreach—and worry it’ll fail in emergencies or face resistance…