The new law banning phones in New York schools is meant to reduce distractions but it misses the mark. Taking away phones doesn’t solve the real problem. Students get distracted when lessons aren’t engaging, not because they have a phone.

Instead of banning phones, schools should focus on creative, interactive, and exciting lessons that naturally keep students focused. Phones can also be powerful learning tools, for research, collaboration, and staying connected in emergencies.

We ask lawmakers and school leaders to rethink this law. Let’s keep phones as a resource, not a target, and focus on improving how students learn not what they can hold in their hands.

Engage students, don’t ban phones.