New York State Says Lock Up the Phones. Does HSAS Agree?

Ela Oksoy, Grade 11, News Editor & Veronica Mollod, Grade 11, Current Events Editor

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HSAS requires students to keep their phones in their lockers following the statewide phone ban.

Education Law §2803 states that all phones and other devices connected to the internet are no longer allowed in New York state schools. Common Sense investigates whether the phone ban is essential to foster social connection, or merely an unsustainable hindrance.

Since its implementation in the 2025-2026 school year, the phone ban has proved to be a contentious topic. Supporters praise the policy as pragmatic, while critics question the enforcement quality and the sustainability of the ban.

Educators and students will continue to assess its impact as the school year unfolds.

Josephine Levy(‘27) says that the biggest benefit she has seen from the ban is improved focus in school. 

     Although she believes it unfortunate that phones cannot be used as tools in class anymore, Levy appreciates the High School of American Studies (HSAS) policy, which is more lenient than many other schools.

“If phones were being completely taken from us, it would just cause more people to try to sneak them in.” Eoin Coleman(‘29) also agrees that the school carries out the ban in “a manner that is not cruel on students.”

The accommodating phone ban implementation at HSAS stems from the relationship that teachers and administrators have with students. 

Principal Weiss maintains that “the greatest strength of the HSAS community is the trust that we have in one another.” 

With this sentiment, instead of forcing students to lock their phones in magnetic pouches, as is done at other schools, the rule at HSAS simply states that phones must be put in lockers during the school day.

Mr. Digruccio, an English teacher, compares his experience at HSAS to his time at other schools, noting that kids used cell phones to coordinate fights or play games in class. “It’s not so much of an issue here,” he admits, but he appreciates that the ban allows kids to focus and interact with each other more.

Still, there are concerns raised. Upperclassmen wish to use their personal devices (also prohibited under the ban) to work during free periods, while parents worry about contacting their children.

Stella Kross(‘26), appreciates the idea behind the ban, but does not like that the ban includes all personal devices: “What’s been most harmful for me is not being able to use my laptop…during my free periods, or when taking notes in class where I’d rather use my laptop than the iPads.”

Mr. Iurato, a U.S history teacher, says that he supports the ban, both as a teacher and a father. However, he questions whether it will continue. “Phones have become such a large part of mainstream life,” he admits. “I wonder if it will just fade out.”

Clyde Brittelle(‘28) similarly expresses, “There is going to be pushback because…technology is developing so fast, and I think it’s a bad idea to force students to not adapt to technology.”

The school's first ban assessment looms ahead; on November 7th.

Administration will evaluate the policy effectiveness and make necessary changes. As technology continues to develop and expand, our education system responds–in this case, with constraints. 

Until educators can find a way to handle phones in New York schools, elected officials have decided that it’s safer to cut them out than risk the potential damages. Whether this will have the intended beneficial effects, the following school year will decide.