NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6488
SPONSOR: 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 OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish model codes of conduct on school property regarding cell-
phone use
SUMMARY OF 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.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A.10174
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
6488
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 5, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. K. BROWN -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to directing the depart-
ment of education to establish model codes of conduct on school prop-
erty regarding cellphone use
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2801-c
2 to read as follows:
3 § 2801-c. Model codes of conduct on school property. The department
4 shall, in collaboration with the New York state council of school super-
5 intendents and the New York state school boards association, produce
6 model codes of conduct on school property for any building, structure
7 and surrounding outdoor grounds, including entrances or exits, contained
8 within a public or private pre-school, nursery school, elementary or
9 secondary school's legally defined property boundaries as registered in
10 a county clerk's office. Such model codes of conduct shall include, but
11 not be limited to, the use of cellphones by students during school hours
12 and during classroom instruction. Such model codes shall be posted to
13 the department's website.
14 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
15 the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the
16 addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary
17 for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized
18 to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10235-01-5
