NYC Council Member Urges DOE to Review Laptop, Tablet Use After 1-Year Phone Ban

1 articles · Updated · QNS · May 18

Phil Wong asked the New York City DOE to review how often students use school laptops and tablets, especially younger children, and consider clearer limits after the state's bell-to-bell phone restrictions.
Wong said removing phones has reduced distractions but not broader screen-time concerns, arguing heavy reliance on school-issued devices is still hurting reading and classroom focus.
Texas districts including Dallas were cited as early evidence: schools reported stronger engagement and more library book checkouts after personal-device limits, while debate there has already shifted to school-issued screens.
The DOE said anecdotal results from the first year of the phone ban show more focus in class and more student interaction, adding it will keep refining policy with community feedback.

How can schools cut screen time while students must take state exams on computers?

Is the push to ban classroom tech a necessary reset or a step back from digital literacy?

Are devices the real problem, or is it the lack of training on how to use them for learning?