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School psychologist Katie Sebo said her students’ overdependence on personal technology is harming them and derailing their future.

Maria Gonzalez has been a school psychologist for Rochester City Schools for more than two decades. She’s seen first-hand the damaging impact of cellphones. “I was there way before the pandemic, and I saw the incredible shift in the social skills of students,” said Gonzalez, Rochester Teachers Association.

Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul called for statewide standards to ensure distraction-free schools and New York educators are abuzz.

“The day that Riley died, we did not go to school because he was getting braces on his teeth,” said Mary Rodee, a member of the Canton Central Teachers Association. After the orthodontist appointment, Rodee dropped her 15-year-old son at his dad’s house with a milkshake and ibuprofen, took a quick photo of his new silver smile, and headed to work.

High school social worker Trish Hoyer says social media is a dominating force in her students’ lives, and she’s afraid kids are more disconnected than ever.