Opinion

Opinion Roundup: How is the new cell phone ban going after one marking period?

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor • November 5, 2025

Students reflect on their thoughts on the new Cell Phone Ban policy.

In May of 2024, Governor Hochul announced that New York State would become the first state in the nation with statewide restrictions on smart phones. With this new plan in place, schools all over the state were required to submit a new cell-phone ban policy and upload it to their school website by the first day of school. On August 27, Townsend Harris High School sent out its new policy to students via email. The new policies include prohibiting the use of all personal electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops, and iPads in the classroom unless instructed otherwise by a teacher. Outside of the classroom, laptops and iPads are allowed in academic spaces only, such as the library. Failure to comply results in personal devices being collected and held in the Dean’s Office until the end of the day.

The Classic interviewed students on their opinion about the state-wide cell-phone ban, and how it has affected their school day.

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“When I first heard about the new statewide cell-phone ban, I was honestly surprised and a little frustrated. . . but I also understood that it was meant to help students focus more. I think THHS does a pretty good job of following the state rules. I’ve noticed teachers and staff being stricter about students having their phones out, especially during class and transitions. I have mixed feelings about the ban. I think it can be beneficial for reducing distractions and improving focus, but it also takes away an important way to communicate and decompress during school breaks such as lunch and free periods. Also, I don’t really agree that laptops and iPads should also be banned. Those devices are often used for schoolwork and research, so they feel more like tools than distractions. Personally, the non use of cell-phones during the school day has helped me pay more attention in class.”

— Freshman Ruchi Ghosh

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“At first, I was really confused about the cell-phone ban, and I questioned how well the school would be able to implement it. But I think Townsend Harris is doing a good job with the ban because [because] they trust us enough to comply with state-law. Where I see the biggest difference since the ban is the amount of phones out in the hallways, since we are required to keep our phones in the pouches given to us by the school. Even last year though, I had classes where we weren’t allowed to use our phones, so for me this ban is not that drastic of a change. Still, I’m on the fence about the cell-phone ban. Although it’s good to maintain focus in class, I think that during non-instructional time, like lunch or a free band, what you do with your phone should be up to you. Also, I think the rule should only apply to cell-phones. iPads and laptops are usually used to help students with notes or studying, and they also save time as opposed to having to get a school chromebook.”

— Sophomore Juliet Levens

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“Initially, when I first heard about the cell-phone ban, I immediately thought about what it might be like to not have access to my phone throughout the day. I felt a bit annoyed because I wanted to be able to have access to it during free bands. When the school year started, some changes I noticed were having to put our phones in a pouch, and not being able to take it out unless we had teacher permission. Some students have even got referrals for having their phones out. I personally do not agree with the cell-phone ban. I do see its purpose and why it can be beneficial in some ways, but I feel that there are bigger concerns such as student safety. I haven’t really seen any other drastic changes besides me getting accustomed to putting my phone away, when I usually have it on me at all times. My academic experience seems to have stayed the same.”

— Junior Jazmine Chiquito

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“When I first heard about the ban I thought it was slightly inconvenient. I think if students are cheating, bored, or disengaged it isn’t just because of a cell-phone. The biggest change I’ve seen this school year is that we are meant to put our phones in a pouch during school hours, and are not allowed to take them out without permission from an educator. I do not agree with the phone ban because I believe phones are being used as a scapegoat for some students having bad grades and being disengaged in class. Whether we like it or not, technology is a big part of our everyday lives including in school. Devices such as laptops and iPads, which have also been banned, are necessary throughout all parts of the school day due to how our education system has incorporated technology into the classroom.”

— Senior Amden Zahir

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“My initial thoughts about the cell-phone ban were that it would be difficult to enforce, but I believed it was necessary to encourage students to socialize face-to-face more often. Additionally, I believe that the THHS administration is doing a good job in preventing excessive cell-phone use. Our deans and teachers consistently enforce these rules to help maintain a focused learning environment. I do agree with the cell-phone ban. The ban provides students with a necessary break from this constant digital engagement. Since the ban, I’ve noticed a decrease in social media bullying. As for laptops and iPads, I think they are essential tools for modern education, especially for digital exams and classroom activities like Google Classroom. Unless we move away from all technology, I believe restricting these devices isn’t practical or beneficial, as they are integral to current teaching methods.”

— Assistant Dean Charlene Levi

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About the Contributors

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor

Brailyn is a junior at Townsend Harris High School. She plans to study law in college and become an attorney one day. She also enjoys reading books, especially fantasy, romance and dystopian texts. Her favorite Classic piece that she has worked on thus far is her opinion piece on the THHS guidance department and their ability to provide various wellness opportunities to students. Her favorite Classic piece written by others is a news article that features a Townsend Harris custodian. She thinks it is sweet for the people who keep our school clean to be recognized for their hard work.

Bella Chen, Sports Photography Editor

Bella is a senior at Townsend Harris High School who hopes to pursue a career that gives her the opportunity to help people. Outside of journalism, she enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Her favorite Classic piece she worked on is Scenes from Prom 2024, where she remembers the seniors’ happy faces and the delicious ice cream. Her favorite Classic piece made by others is an article titled “Mr. Wang Retires After Ten Years Serving as a THHS Guidance Counselor,” by Intishar Chinho. Mr. Wang was her guidance counselor and she agreed with all the kind things said about him.