The New York State United Teachers passed a resolution supporting a statewide law or policy restricting smartphones and other devices like smartwatches and earbuds in schools from school opening to dismissal, the union announced Tuesday.

The extent of those restrictions should be designed locally, with input from parents, educators, unions and other stakeholders, the union said. In addition, they said educators should not be responsible for implementation or enforcement of those policies and state resources should be available to cover the costs of implementation.

Exceptions would be allowed for instructional purposes and student health and safety needs.

The resolution was passed unanimously by the 83-person NYSUT board after an internal poll conducted earlier this month found 85% of its members support banning cell phones and personal electronic devices for the entire school day with approved exceptions. 

"Our Disconnected Conference confirmed what we’ve heard from our members across the state: The constant disruption of dealing with cellphone use and social media-related distractions is working against the primary mission of our schools, which is to educate our children,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said in a statement. “Schools that have implemented a ‘bell-to-bell' ban, tailored to local needs and concerns, have seen significant improvements in student focus, classroom engagement, children’s relationships and school safety."

The resolution comes after the NYSUT held a forum Friday which was attended by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor has made the issue of phones and social media addiction one of her top priorities this year. Months ago, she signed a first-in-the-nation bill to regulate social media algorithms for under-18 users.

Restrictions on cell phones haven't been as embraced by many parents. They’re concerned about not having a connection to their kids in case of an emergency. Gov. Hochul said law enforcement officials have told her that having a phone in those situations could do more harm than good.