Long Island parents support cellphone bans in schools, new poll reveals

A recent poll conducted on Long Island revealed that a significant majority of parents support restrictions on cellphone use in schools and advocate for stricter regulations on social media for minors. The Baldwin School District is implementing tighter cellphone restrictions as the new academic year begins, with educators and medical professionals emphasizing the need to address the growing concerns surrounding excessive screen time. Baldwin Schools Superintendent Dr. Shari Camhi highlighted the issue as an epidemic that requires community collaboration to tackle effectively. The poll indicated that children spend an average of three and a half hours daily on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, which has raised alarms among health professionals. Pediatrician Dr. Ron Marino warned that overuse of these devices is linked to emotional issues and declining academic performance, suggesting that children are losing essential social skills. Baldwin School Board member Susan Cools echoed these concerns, noting the detrimental effects of excessive phone use on students' social interactions. While many parents believe having a cellphone is crucial for emergencies, 72% support a ban on cellphone use during school hours. Parents like Anne Fernandez expressed their concerns about the anxiety created by excessive phone use and emphasized the importance of limiting screen time. Students, such as Baldwin High senior Rhianna Hodge, reported that keeping phones away helps them focus better in class. The symposium also encouraged parents to model healthy behaviors by reducing their own screen time and engaging in more screen-free activities with their children, reinforcing the need for a collective effort to improve students' mental health and academic success.