NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10174
SPONSOR: Rules (Brown K) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to directing the depart-
ment of education to establish model codes of conduct on school property
regarding cellphone use
PURPOSE:
To establish model codes of conduct on school property regarding cell-
phone use
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2801-c
To produce model codes of conduct on school property for any building,
structure and surrounding outdoor grounds of a school's legally defined
property boundaries as registered in a county clerk's office. Such model
codes of conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the use of cell-
phones by students during school hours and during classroom instruction.
Section 2: Identifies effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The pervasive use of cellphones in classrooms has reached unprecedented
levels, as highlighted by a recent study from Harvard University. Shock-
ingly, a staggering 92% of students admitted to engaging in text messag-
ing activities during class hours. While these interruptions might
appear insignificant at first glance, their cumulative effect is
profound, leading to severe distractions among students statewide.
A study conducted by Boston University sheds light on the alarming
consequence of cellphone usage on young minds. It reveals that it takes
approximately 20 minutes for a youthful brain to regain focus after
being diverted by cellphone usage in a classroom setting. Considering
that the typical class duration averages around forty minutes, this
means that students are spending nearly half of their class time trying
to regain their concentration after being disrupted by their cellphones.
Moreover, alongside the distractions caused by cellphones, cyberbullying
has emerged as a significant concern in educational settings. According
to the KCBS, principals' reports of cyberbullying frequency have
increased dramatically. The largest distinction between schools who have
prohibited cell phone usage and those who have not.
Not only does excessive cellphone usage and cyberbullying undermine the
learning environment, but they also hamper students' academic perform-
ance and productivity. The constant allure of notifications, messages,
and social media updates serves as a constant source of temptation,
diverting students' attention away from the material being taught and
impeding their ability to absorb crucial information.
This legislation aims to provide a framework for addressing the issue of
cellphone usage in classrooms and promoting a conducive learning envi-
ronment that prioritizes focus, engagement, and academic excellence.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law
