At the beginning of the month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul made headlines by announcing a bold new policy: starting in the 2025–2026 school year, the use of smartphones will be banned in public elementary schools across the state. This is more than just a policy change; it’s a powerful statement of values: let’s give our children back their ability to focus, to learn, and to build real social connections.

Governor Kathy Hochul ’s decision not only puts important regulations in motion, but it also raises critical public awareness. Educators and parents alike have seen the negative effects of constant digital distraction on young children. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the lack of in-person interaction has affected our children’s social development. This new initiative creates space, literally and figuratively , for kids to engage with the world around them.

Still, even though the goal is clear and important, the situation is more complicated. Today, digital platforms are a big part of kids’ social lives. Even in elementary schools where smartphones are usually not allowed, teachers sometimes ask students to use them in class, for learning activities or to practice using digital tools. Like it or not, these devices are part of how children learn to live and grow in the modern world.

We, as parents, are living this dilemma every day. On one hand, we want our children to enjoy a screen-free childhood, full of real-life adventures, face-to-face conversations, and undivided attention. On the other hand, we understand that knowing how to use digital tools is no longer a choice. We must teach our kids how to navigate online platforms safely, ethically, and effectively. And to teach them, we sometimes need to let them use these tools.

At PureSight, we deeply understand these challenges. That’s exactly why we’ve built our digital parenting tools, Surfie, to help families manage this balancing act. Our AI-powered service provides smart alerts to parents when online threats emerge, such as cyberbullying, sextortion, or predatory behavior, allowing parents to intervene when it matters most.

This is the kind of support families need: not just rules or restrictions, but practical, adaptive tools that allow children to grow safely in both the physical and digital worlds.

So yes, Governor Hochul’s initiative is a big step in the right direction. But let’s also remember that keeping kids safe in the digital age requires more than bans. It requires education, collaboration, and smart solutions that empower both parents and children.