30-04-2025
Local students react to cell phone ban in schools statewide
BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. ( — Governor Kathy Hochul is just one step closer to banning cell phones in schools statewide starting in September.
The bill has some students fired up, like Aubrey Leaton, a sophomore at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville.
'It's personal property and it shouldn't really be decided by the state what I do with my phone,' said Leaton.
The pending law will restrict cell phone use in K-12 schools throughout the entire school day. But Leaton says there are bigger problems in the school system.
'There are a lot of unsafe situations in school, and I think not being able to have a cell phone during those moments is kind of a bigger problem,' said Leaton.
Not having direct contact with a parent or guardian is also a big concern for students.
'I feel like students should still be able to have it on them, at least in their bag or something. Because it's hard to get a hold of your parents and whatnot,' said Kameryn Lopez-Smith, a senior at C.W. Baker High School.
But many students agree, smartphones in school are a big distraction.
'I think cell phones for a lot of people are a distraction, and you have to be very mindful. I think it's up to the student to be responsible with their phone if you have it,' said Joseph DeRocha, a senior at C.W. Baker High School.
'Especially in the younger kids this year, I'm noticing a lot of them are anti-social. They just sit on their phones all the time,' said Rey Quiroz, a senior at C.W. Baker High School.
Governor Hochul says there will be exemptions in some cases, including for students with certain medical conditions or those who aren't fully fluent in English.
The bill still needs to be signed into law.
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