ALBANY, NY (May 6, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York will become the largest state to implement statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The policy, secured through the FY 2026 State Budget, prohibits unsanctioned smartphone use during the entire school day, including classrooms, lunch, and study halls, across public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES.
“New York was the first state to target addictive social media feeds — and now we’re the largest state to restrict smartphones in schools throughout the entire school day,” Hochul said. “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.”
The policy allows schools flexibility to create their own smartphone storage plans, with $13.5 million allocated for storage solutions. Schools must provide parents a way to contact students during the day, consult teachers, parents, and students in developing local policies, and ensure equitable discipline. Simple cellphones without internet and school-provided devices like laptops are permitted, with exemptions for medical needs, IEPs, academic purposes, translation, caregiving, and emergencies.
Hochul’s initiative follows her statewide listening tour and report, “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools,” which found smartphones distract students, hinder learning, and affect mental health, while phone-free environments enhance focus and safety. The policy builds on her 2024 Safe for Kids Act, restricting addictive social media feeds for minors, and the New York Child Data Protection Act, limiting data collection from those under 18.
New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person supported the measure, stating, “This isn’t about being anti-phone or anti-technology — it’s about being pro-childhood. We’re giving students seven hours a day free from distractions so they can focus on learning.”
Phones Free New York Founder Raj Goyle, a father of two, praised the policy, saying, “I am proud that New York will be the largest state in the country with a bell-to-bell ban.” Julie Scelfo, Founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, added, “Smartphones are designed to be addictive in a way that makes it harder for kids to focus and learn. New York is a model for the rest of the nation.”
Muna Heaven, Harlem Chapter Leader for Mothers Against Media Addiction, noted, “This policy will not only improve educational outcomes, but also the overall well-being of students statewide.” Anika Bhupati, an 8th grader at Farnsworth Middle School, said, “Without the constant distractions of smartphones, our classrooms have become spaces where students are fully present, engaged, and empowered to succeed.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.