As written on the NYC Schools website, "Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students will not be able to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices on school grounds during the school day absent an approved exception. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones."
Schools give the students a pouch to keep their phones in for the day. If they lose the pouch, it costs at least $15-30 for a replacement. It used to cost $75!
While I have my own mixed feelings about the ban, I wanted to know how teens at my branch, McKinley Park, feel.
Melody (age 16) said the only major issue she has with the ban is that she can't use her phone during free time or her lunch period. However, it does encourage her to interact more with her friends and classmates face-to-face.
"J" expressed feeling offended by the ban. "Why don't they trust us?" she asked.
"M" argued the cellphone ban is unfair. She wants to have access to their phones in case of an emergency. Or to check in with her friends during the day.
I asked my teens, "What should schools do instead?"
They came up with two ideas. Students would either:
1. Place their phones in a basket / bucket at the beginning of each class.
OR
2. Keep their phones with them at all times. But, if a teacher spots a student using their phone during class, they can confiscate it.
Do you agree with the cell phone ban? If not, what should schools do instead? Submit a comment below!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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