Gov. Hochul releases results after first year of the state's phone-free schools policy
New York State has released its findings one year since the implementation of its phone-free policy in schools, and on a local level, News 12 had a first hand look on Tuesday at how the policy has faired within the White Plains School District.
More Stories
Students at White Plains High School spent their recess enjoying the nice weather, playing games and mingling without a single phone in sight.
The district previously held its "Away for the Day" policy, where students could use their phones only during non-instructional time.
Per the state's new policy, students cannot be on their phones throughout the entirety of the day.
"If everybody's off the device, there's no fear of missing out. Children and young adults can interact socially face to face throughout the school day and I think it's beneficial and healthy for everybody," said White Plains Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca.
The state met with more than 600 teachers and school administrators to receive feedback on the policy.
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, 80% of school leaders reported that students are behaving in a more engaged way. Sixty percent of the responses said bullying was down.
Senior Afrozah Hossain says she was originally more against the policy, but says looking back, it made her senior year more enjoyable.
"Communication has definitely increased among my peers. I especially talk to my peers a lot more. We find different things to do, like we've played Uno during lunch or other board games," said Hossain.
