New York Governor Hochu held a press conference on Monday, June 1st, to announce the latest survey results. After collecting feedback from approximately 600 education workers statewide, it was found that the one-year-old “no cell phone campus” policy in New York State has been successful. 80% of the respondents believe that the policy has improved student participation in classes and normal social interactions.
At the same time, 75% of teachers stated that their teaching abilities have improved, and 76% of respondents noted positive changes in classroom behavior, such as increased focus, respect for classmates, and adherence to rules.
76% of respondents indicated an increase in student participation. The most common forms of participation included active engagement in classroom discussions, enhanced cooperation among classmates, and increased focus on assignments. 80% of respondents believe that students’ social relationships have improved, and 60% of respondents stated a decrease in on-campus bullying and cyberbullying incidents.
A teacher in Auburn wrote, “Great progress. Stick to your principles. This is indeed effective. Children are now truly engaging in socializing, talking, and discussing, and it’s wonderful to see.”
Feedback from a school custodian in Western New York expressed, “It’s fantastic to see children being children again. Without the distraction of cell phones, students have started interacting with each other again. It’s truly heartening to witness!”
A school administrator from Long Island said, “This has taught students to concentrate better and put down their phones. It encourages students to engage in more collaboration during free time. For example, students playing board games together in the cafeteria.”
In May of last year, Governor Hochu signed the “Undisturbed Campus Act,” and New York schools implemented the strictest “no cell phone” policy in the nation at the beginning of the new school year in September.
“I have successfully pushed for the implementation of the ‘no cell phone’ policy in New York schools… These survey results demonstrate that our pioneering policy is making an impact,” Governor Hochu stated in a released statement. “This is an achievement we can all be proud of, and I extend my congratulations to the students and education workers in New York.”
The Governor’s office received a total of 585 responses to the year-end survey on undisturbed learning, covering teachers from various grades, positions, and regions across the state.