'I want kids to be kids again.' Gov. Hochul addresses concerns over cellphones in schools
Gov. Hochul continued to express her opposition to students' cellphone use in schools on Friday. She said kids aren't able to develop social skills that they will need later in life as a result.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul is sounding the alarm on cellphones and social media schools. She said it's causing more distractions and anxiety and depression in kids.
"So many kids have them today and they're so used to them. I do think it's a distraction," said Lisa Bekesy, a Yonkers parent.
Gov. Hochul continued to express her opposition to students' cellphone use in schools on Friday. She said kids aren't able to develop social skills that they will need later in life as a result.
"They're being denied that now, because the cell phone has taken over human interaction," Gov. Hochul said.
The governor says she's been listening to concerns from teachers, parents and students about the issue and how it can cause a negative impact on mental health.
"But just imagine a world where no one has the phone with them. No one is an outcast. No one has to worry about being bullied when they should be paying attention to their teacher in the front of the classroom," said Hochul.
But some parents in the community say that although this can be a distraction, they are necessary in case of an emergency.
"I would want my grandson to have one to be able to call 911 or his parents or anyone," says Bekesy.
"I feel like they should be allowed in the building but it should be in a box or somewhere that they can access it, let's say if it was an emergency," says Brayoi Serrata, a Yonkers parent.
Gov. Hochul says she's also talked to law enforcement about this, who stressed the importance of making sure students are paying attention.
"The last thing you want happening is for your child to be looking at their cellphone, maybe videoing, sending messages," she said.
