Gov. Kathy Hochul dropped in on classes at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland on Wednesday. The lesson plan was to eliminate electronic distractions in New York schools.

Farnsworth already initiated a cellphone ban at the beginning of this school year. The governor and others there want to see this spread to schools across the state.

Joining the governor today here in Guilderland were educators, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, parents, and students – all of whom agree cell phones are a major distraction in the classroom that detract from student’s academic performance, while at the same time contribute to higher rates of academic dishonesty and cyberbullying.

Even though many people will tell you there can be educational benefits from having cellphones in the classroom, the governor said 72% of teachers believe the negatives far outweigh the positives, according to a national survey of educators.

That’s why the governor has set aside millions of dollars in her budget to help school districts any way she can to remove the cellphones for the entire school day – bell to bell.

“I’m very cognizant of how we’ll be judged in the future for what we do today in our respective roles, and I believe we’ll be judged harshly if we don’t look at the data that is so overwhelming of the negative impact of social media and cellphones on children’s developmental abilities to function as not just as kids but ultimately as adults,” said Hochul.

Linda Person, the president of New York State United Teachers, also voiced support for the ban.

“I know there are people who might think we’re taking something away from children, but in reality, we’re giving them something back: their childhood and their focus,” she said.

Gov. Hochul’s office is proposing $13.5 million in funding to help schools buy storage solutions for the phones while students are in class.

The plan also requires schools have a way for parents to contact their kids during the day, if needed.