Cell phones are taking over our classrooms and our education is suffering as a result! Thus, we support Governor Hochul’s plan to ban cell phones during the school day because it's time to take learning seriously again. And for teenagers to stop living their lives 24 hours a day on their phones.    

We the students of The Global Learning Collaborative are writing this petition to express our concerns about cell phone usage in our education. This is a problem that also impacts all students in New York State. Students are distracted by phones in nearly every class. Constant notifications, TikTok, social media drama, and texting are pulling students away from their teachers, classmates, and their own potential. Grades are dropping, anxiety is rising, and real human connection is being lost. 

This not only affects academic performance but also takes a toll on students’ mental health, increasing stress, anxiety, and reducing face-to-face social interaction. For example, in a recent study that we conducted polling over 100 students at GLC, more than 75% of them said social media makes me feel anxious.

Quite simply, phones are hurting our ability to focus, learn, and succeed and it’s about time that we do something about this, hence why we support Governor Hochul’s plan to ban smartphones in schools. 

Thus, we are asking the NY State Assembly to pass Governor Hochul’s policy banning cell phones, which is a necessary step to create a healthier and more focused learning environment. 

Please help us take action by signing this petition!