Governor Kathy Hochul brings school smartphone ban listening tour to Yonkers [Video]

NEW YORK (WABC) — New York Governor Kathy Hochul is taking her statewide listening tour to Yonkers on Monday, as she considers banning the use of smartphones in schools across the state.

The listening tour is to hear from students, parents, and teachers about the effects of social media use on their mental health.

It is no secret that cellphones can be a distraction for students in classrooms. In fact, according to a recent Pew Research poll, 72% of teachers across the nation say phones hinder learning.

The question though is how to implement a cell phone ban?

To navigate that question Gov. Hochul said she wanted to hear from students, parents, and teachers across the state — and on Monday she stopped in Yonkers.

Several school districts in Westchester County have already implemented cellphone bans, including Newburgh.

The superintendent there said they have already seen a reduction in social anxiety and an increase in positive student …