In today’s classrooms, smartphones are doing far more harm than good. These devices, while useful in some settings, have become a persistent source of distraction, stress, and even danger for students. As educators, parents, and policymakers grapple with their impact, one thing is clear: smartphones do not belong in schools. At EAC Network, a nonprofit serving more than 65,000 individuals across Long Island and New York City, we see the consequences of unchecked smartphone use in schools every day. Through programs like Alternatives for Youth and Home Base, which assist at-risk students, it’s evident how deeply phones disrupt education. Nearly all of the young people we serve struggle with school-related issues, many of which are exacerbated by smartphones. This isn’t a small problem. Twenty years ago, the biggest classroom distraction might have been a whispered conversation or a note passed behind the teacher’s back. Today, smartphones have turned distractions into a constant companion. With access to social media, messaging apps, and endless entertainment, students’ focus has fractured. A study by Common Sense Media found that 97% of teens use their phones during school, spending an average of 43 minutes per day glued to their screens. It’s not uncommon for students to hide phones in books or on their laps to scroll through TikTok — despite the teacher standing just feet away. The consequences are profound. Phones pull attention away from lessons, degrade academic performance, and enable behaviors that schools work so hard to prevent. Students now use smartphones to cheat on exams, organize fights, and even coordinate drug use. But the impact goes deeper. Constant social media access fuels anxiety, amplifies feelings of exclusion, and creates an environment ripe for cyberbullying. As Demishia Owens, an EAC program director, puts it: smartphones have become “antennas for distraction, sadness, and, in the worst cases, human trafficking.” Luckily, other places are proving that change is both possible and worthwhile. In France has a nationwide smartphone ban for students under 15, while schools in California now operate with strict no-phone policies. Schools with such policies in place are reporting noticeable academic improvements and stronger social connections among students. These success stories show that curbing phone is a solution that works. When phones are set aside, classrooms become places of focus, connection, and genuine learning. Students engage with their teachers and peers, rediscovering curiosity and critical thinking that are too often buried beneath endless notifications. At EAC Network, we’ve seen that when young people are given a chance to unplug, they gain confidence, improve relationships, and make meaningful strides in their education. While the benefits of phone-free classrooms seem clear to many, some remain skeptical, raising concerns about parental access and the role of technology in education. Parental access is understandable. Parents want to reach their children during emergencies. But there are reasonable solutions. Schools can set clear policies, allowing phone use in emergencies or during lunch and break times. For the second concern — that phones can be educational tools — the data is clear: most students aren’t using their phones to improve their learning experience. While some apps may offer value, the temptation to check Instagram or Snapchat far outweighs any educational benefit. Schools can provide controlled alternatives, like tablets or computer labs, where technology is used solely for learning. This is why policymakers and school administrators need to step up. We hope that Gov. Hochul moves forward with her initiative to limit phones in schools, joining a growing list of states considering similar measures. New York City schools and school districts on Long Island are also exploring policies to curb phone use, and it’s time for statewide guidance to provide clear and consistent standards. Parents and policymakers must work together to make this change. Parents have an important role to play: by supporting phone-free policies, they can help schools prioritize education over distractions. For policymakers, the message is simple: bold action is needed now to protect our students from the mental and academic harms of constant phone use. New Year’s resolutions are about reclaiming what matters. Let’s help New York’s students reclaim their education and their well-being. A statewide no-phone policy would level the playing field, reduce stress, and teach students healthier habits that will serve them well beyond their school years. Schools must be places for learning and growth — not apps, likes, and swipes. Let’s make 2025 the year we take smartphones out of the classroom and put our children’s futures back where they belong: front and center. Mukherjee Lockel is the president and CEO of EAC Network.