Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New York will become the largest state in the country to adopt statewide restrictions on smartphone use during the school day. Under the new policy, included in the fiscal year 2026 state budget, students from Buffalo to Long Island will be required to keep phones out of reach from the first bell to the last. The goal is to reduce distractions and protect student mental health.
At Onteora Central School District, we’ve been ahead of the curve. Earlier this year, the district decided to ban phones. But for teens like me, the real challenge begins outside the classroom—where we’re left to navigate the complicated impact of social media in our everyday lives.
Social media is part of our routine. It’s how we connect with friends, share our experiences, and stay informed. Many of us can’t imagine life without it. But that doesn’t mean it’s always helpful.
Growing up in a world where everything is posted online can create pressure to keep up. It’s easy to compare ourselves to the filtered versions of others’ lives and feel like we’re falling short. According to a 2022 study, the Pew Research Center found that 95 percent of teens ages 13 to 17 use social media. Three years later, I can only imagine that all those people are spending more time on their phones. But what does that constant exposure do to our generation?
Studies have shown links between heavy social media use and increased rates of anxiety and depression—especially among young people. But it’s not all bad. These platforms also help us stay in touch with faraway friends, explore new interests, and learn about cultures we might never experience otherwise.
“Well, I spend pretty much most of my day on social media when I don’t have school,” said Emma Perzanowski, a freshman at Onteora High School. “When I do have school, I spend my time after school mainly on social media also.”
Freshman Sophia Spada added, “I like social media content that is funny and relatable. I get my news through social media sometimes, but I also rely on The New York Times and get some information from my parents.”
There’s also debate about what age is appropriate to start using social media. While most platforms require users to be at least 13, the decision is often left to parents. In reality, any tech savvy kid with a phone has the knowledge to fudge the contract to get on social media by simply pressing ‘I accept.’ That leaves younger users exposed to a wide range of content—some of it inappropriate or confusing.
From my perspective, social media often has a negative impact on teens and children. It gives access to information that many parents might not feel their kids are ready to handle. And it’s hard to filter out what’s helpful from what’s harmful.
As New York moves forward with new phone restrictions in schools, it’s worth asking a larger question: what role should social media play in our lives? Should schools integrate social media strategy into curriculum?
For teens like me, the answer isn’t simple. Social media connects us—and distracts us. It helps us learn—and makes us anxious. And for better or worse, it’s here to stay.
Philanthe LaMonda is a ninth grade student at Onteora High School. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
