In the summer of 2024, NYSUT launched the Disconnected initiative. This was driven by hearing from our members and the communities they serve about the pervasive issues of distracting technology in schools. Specifically, educators expressed deep concerns about the harmful effects digital distractions such as cellphones had on their students and their classroom environments. These include many stories from our members, coupled with grim statistics about the mental health of our children over the past decade.
Through Disconnected events and advocacy, NYSUT has been at the forefront of this issue, pushing for statewide bell-to-bell restrictions on cellphones in school. In May, thanks in part to NYSUT's advocacy, New York became the largest state in the country to restrict smartphones and devices for the full school day.
Gov. Hochul: ‘We got it done’ - New York becomes largest state to enact bell-to-bell cellphone policy
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $13.5 million investment in distraction-free schools, sealing the deal she made earlier this year with parents, educators and administrators to create healthier and safer learning environments for students by restricting smartphone use in K-12 schools across the state.
Disconnected Conference, September 2024
Nearly 500 people attended NYSUT’s Disconnected conference on Friday, where they delved into one of the most critical education issues of our time: the effects of cellphones, social media and technology on schools, learning and mental health.
NYSUT joins governor to announce cellphone restrictions in schools
Today in Guilderland Central School District, NYSUT President Melinda Person joined Gov. Kathy Hochul as the governor announced a proposal to create distraction-free learning environments across New York.
NYSUT Calls for Bell-to-Bell Restrictions
On Friday, Sept. 20, NYSUT and our partners hosted the Disconnected Conference to discuss the effects of cellphones, social media, and technology on learning and mental health in our schools.
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Explore the latest news from "Disconnected," our in-depth convening that examines the impact of cellphones, social media, and technology on children, schools, and the future of learning.
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