Belal Ahmed: New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has called for a nationwide ban on smartphone use in schools, stating that these devices harm children. In an interview with the British daily The Guardian, Hochul suggested replacing smartphones with simpler "dumb" phones for children, allowing only texting but no internet access. Hochul, who refers to herself as the “first mom governor,” believes that tech companies exploit children for profit by designing social media algorithms that foster addiction. She expressed concern on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, stating, "Our children are being dragged into a very dark place.” She urged tech companies to “stop selling our children’s personal data for financial gain.” Hochul plans to introduce a bill in the state legislature early next year to ban smartphones for children. However, there is no clear guidance on how children would complete homework assignments without smartphones, as many currently rely on them for schoolwork. Additionally, there has been no mention of exemptions for students who use smartphones for safety reasons, nor any provisions for older students who might need them on campus but won’t be allowed to use them. A spokesperson for Hochul declined to comment further. However, many parents have already voiced their support for the initiative. Atsuko Desadier, a mother, told the media she supports the bill, as it would help reduce her children’s smartphone use, particularly apps like Snapchat and TikTok, which she believes are detrimental. Desadier stated, "Cell phones should be banned in school, as it would make students more attentive in class." Many students, however, expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the ban. Fourteen-year-old Darlene Mendez shared, “Teenagers will find a way around it. Smartphones have both pros and cons. We sometimes use too much social media, which is a problem, but they’re essential for a lot of schoolwork.” Seventeen-year-old Haisel Azivinac added that smartphones can be especially useful when school computers don’t work, making assignments easier to complete. Meanwhile, legislators are considering a proposed bill called the “Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act,” which would impose stricter controls on social media platforms.