BILL NUMBER: S9810A
SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to restricting the use of
wireless communication devices by students on school property
 
PURPOSE:
To provide students in New York State with a distraction-free school
environment.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new section 2801-c to the education law. The new
section defines wireless communication device and access. The section
then prohibits the use of a device by students during the school day,
directing devices to be powered off and properly stored. Students in
violation of this section will face progressive consequences. Students
are prohibited from accessing social media platforms through school
district internet.
Section two is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The proliferation of smartphones among children and young adults in our
schools has compromised the quality of education across the state.
Smartphones not only distract and disengage students from learning, but
also import the documented mental health and social harms of social
media into the classroom environment.
This bill would prohibit students from accessing all types of devices
during the school day. Phones would need to be turned off and properly
stored, allowing the students of New York State the ability to properly
focus and engage in the classroom.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill. FISCAL
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July succeeding the date on
which it shall have become law.