After winter break, phone pouches hung on every classroom wall at White Plains High School. The pouches were offered statewide, but only some districts accepted them, as school boards and superintendents continued to debate cellphone policies.

White Plains teachers were told they were optional this year. New York state now aims for a “bell-to-bell ban,” requiring phones locked away all day. This would necessitate further precautions beyond pouches, where students retrieve phones after each class—possible phone lockers at the building’s front are one example. Gov. Kathy Hochul argues this will improve middle and high school students’ mental health.

Although many teachers don’t mandate them, phone pouches remain much discussed. Some argue they will prevent student distraction and cheating. Others believe they’re unnecessary and would prevent students from contacting family or 911 in emergencies. In an emergency, a student’s inability to contact family worries many, who question the logic of phone pouches in classrooms and are concerned about their implementation next year.

Hochul proposed a plan that, if passed, bans iPhone use in schools for the 2025-2026 year. Hochul and supporters state this aims to prevent learning-hour distractions. During study hall and lunch, districts could develop their own phone usage plans.

I believe phone pouches aren not necessary for a few reasons. First, having phones in class can teach students responsibility and test their ability to discern appropriate phone use. Another benefit of student cellphone responsibility, instead of teacher control, is easy access to contact family and 911 during emergencies like school shootings. As high school students, we should already be responsible or quickly learn to be. In today’s world, like offices, phones are always near us during work hours, a future necessity. For instance, in my parents’ offices, cellphones are the primary contact method.

While I believe taking cellphones from students is unnecessary, I recognize many students are distracted by them. I think schools and possibly the state government have a role in preventing this distraction. So, I don’t criticize their action; I simply believe that there are ways to address the problem without pouches.

Teachers could instruct students to keep phones in bags, only to be used if directed or for emergencies. If students can’t responsibly keep phones in bags, teachers could confiscate them as a consequence, keeping them in a desk drawer until the class ends. Repeated offenses could lead to confiscation at the start of class. Other ways to teach responsible technology could be employed. Lessons on cyberbullying and other technology issues like talking to strangers and preventing hackers could be implemented.

The Senate proposed allowing districts to return cellphones during downtimes like study hall and lunch and stated students should not be suspended for simply using phones. I agree with both ideas for implementing this law. Hochul will ensure students have at least one way to contact parents if needed, a significant consideration.