Friday, March 21, 2025
In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools across New York State, the Island Park School District has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the social and emotional well being of its students.
Governor Hochul unveiled the plan on Jan. 22 as part of her 2026 Executive Budget proposal, aiming to eliminate distractions in classrooms and promote more focused learning environments. The proposal includes a ban on smartphone use from kindergarten through high school during the entire school day and allocates $13.5 million in funding to help schools purchase storage systems for the devices. Schools would also be required to establish procedures to allow parents to contact their children during school hours if necessary.
In a statement addressing the governor’s plan, Island Park Superintendent Vincent Randazzo emphasized the district’s ongoing efforts to manage cell phone use effectively.
“The Island Park School District is aware of Governor Hochul’s plans to provide funding for restricting cell phone use in schools,” said Island Park Superintendent Vincent Randazzo in a statement. “Our district has always prioritized the social and emotional well-being of our students, including with regard to cell phone use. We continually review our existing cell phone practices and procedures to ensure that students have an environment that is conducive to learning and free from distractions and will await additional details regarding the governor’s plans.”
Hochul’s proposal also outlines specific exemptions, including for students with Individualized Education Programs those managing medical conditions, and for certain academic purposes, such as translation services. Additionally, while smartphones with internet access would be restricted, basic cell phones without internet capabilities and school-provided internet devices would still be permitted in classrooms.
If adopted, Governor Hochul’s new cell phone restrictions would go into effect for the 2025-26 school year. As districts like Island Park await further guidance, the focus remains on fostering educational environments that minimize distractions and support student well-being.
