It is now a new school year for the Hendrick Hudson School District, and with it came quite a bit of changes: some for the better, and some severely controversial. One of these changes being the brand new state-wide phone/personal device ban within schools. Some have expressed it to be beneficial for various social reasons, while others argue this implementation is unfair.
Just as schools in New York State opened for the 2025-2026 year, governor Kathy Hochul implemented a “bell-to-bell” phone ban in schools in order to get rid of distractions in the classroom as well as trying to promote more social interaction throughout the school day. This policy not only restricts the use of smartphones, but also other internet-enabled devices such as non-school issued computers/laptops, AirPods/Bluetooth headsets, iPods, and smartwatches.
When asking a few students about this phone policy, they all expressed the same concerns: acknowledging that there is some underlying good to this ban, but also claiming there are certain safety issues that make it widely disliked. “I believe the phone ban is beneficial for focusing in school,” Junior Kasvi Thakor began. “But what I don’t understand is why we can’t have it during our free periods. Also, I feel like if anything dangerous happens, I want to be able to contact my mother.” Her point overall encompasses two major points that are of question: why can’t students have their devices during free periods (lunch, study hall, passing periods, etc.), and what if there is an emergency where the student would want/need to send a message to their parents?
Another student also shared her opinions, similarly mirroring the opinions and thoughts of her peers while also delving a little deeper. “In some cases I guess it’s alright considering [phones] can be a distraction, especially with the younger group. My little sister says they’re taking their phones out in class and hiding it from their teachers, so it is a problem there.” Sophomore Nayeli Maya explained. While acknowledging the unhealthy side of smartphones, Nayeli also countered with reasons why they are necessary, especially considering the increase of school shootings in the United States.
“But it does have some safety concerns.” She continued. “For example: in a case of an emergency where someone doesn’t know if they’ll make it out alive, they should be able to call for help and/or give their parents a final goodbye.” Although a grim thought, it is an unfortunate reality and a huge issue today. According to Everytown Research, there have been approximately 100 school shootings in America in 2025 alone, resulting in 32 total deaths and 98 injuries. Since 2020, the rate has increased astronomically to 163%.
“Although well-intentioned, I think the phone ban is restrictive by design and limits safety in emergency scenarios. There are other solutions that could be put into place.” Says Henry Ridder, a Junior. Taking their statement into account, it poses a question: what other solutions could there be that would benefit the student’s participation without taking away personal property? Henry adds on to their statement: “One good solution that I think could be put into place is a phone caddy in each class, and then have attendance be read from said caddy.” They explain. “It’d be much less hassle than individual phone trappers, and provides natural incentives to leave your phone there while still letting students use it during passing periods and lunches.”
On the contrary, when asking teachers their thoughts on this policy, their attitude was overwhelmingly supportive and positive, starkly contrasting the responses of the students.
“I’m sure it’s hard for students, but I’m already seeing the difference in attention between this year and last year. I think students are more engaged.” Says Mr. Lupien, history teacher and administrator of the Hendrick Hudson S.E.E.D club. “I think we’re going to see by the end of the year, grades will go up, comprehension will go up, end-of-year tests will be better…but moreso, I just see students talking to each other in ways they weren’t before. So, I know that it’s hard, but I think this is a good thing. I think this is a very good thing.”
Upon surveying 27 of our students and staff, 41% agree with the phone law, whereas 59% disagree. Those who agreed were teachers/staff, and everybody who disagreed were students.
In the eyes of the teachers, they want their students to do the best that they can in class, which is done through paying attention, participating, and not being on their phone, which is respectable.
In the eyes of the students, they want to have access to their devices not just to devoid their attention, but to be able to stay in contact with parents, family members and/or friends, listen to music, and have the freedom to watch a couple of TikToks when not in the classroom, which is also respectable.
Taking all things into consideration, students should be able to have their phones (in moderation), but at the end of the day it comes down to whether or not they care about their education, and whether they are willing to put in that effort, with or without their phones.
