Starting this fall, New York will become the largest state in the nation to enforce a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones in K-12 schools. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the landmark policy last week, delivering on her promise to curb digital distractions and protect youth mental health.
The statewide “distraction-free schools” initiative will go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year, following its inclusion in the newly enacted FY 2026 State Budget.
What the new smartphone policy includes
Governor Hochul’s policy mandates:
- No unsanctioned use of smartphones or internet-enabled personal devices during the entire school day, including lunch and study hall.
- Flexibility for each school to create its own smartphone storage plan.
- $13.5 million in state funding to help schools purchase storage solutions.
- Requirements for schools to provide ways for parents to contact their children during emergencies.
- Collaboration with teachers, parents, and students in developing local policies.
- Safeguards against inequitable discipline.
Students will still be allowed access to simple phones without internet access, as well as internet-enabled devices provided by schools for educational purposes.
Key exemptions
The policy includes exemptions for:
- Students managing medical conditions requiring smartphone use.
- Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) needing technology access.
- Academic uses authorized by teachers.
- Emergency situations and family caregiving needs.
Governor Hochul emphasized that this isn’t a blanket anti-technology move but rather a pro-childhood measure to foster learning, creativity, and real-world connections.
Why New York pursued this change
Governor Hochul’s office released a comprehensive report titled “More Learning, Less Scrolling,” which outlines the benefits of distraction-free environments, including:
- Improved student focus and creativity.
- Stronger mental health for students and teachers.
- Maintenance of student safety without needing constant smartphone access.
- Better in-person engagement through clubs, arts, and sports programs.
“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,” Governor Hochul said. “Our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.”
Growing national momentum on digital safety for youth
This move builds on New York’s national leadership on digital youth safety. Last year, Governor Hochul signed the Safe for Kids Act, restricting addictive social media feeds for minors and the New York Child Data Protection Act, safeguarding online privacy for individuals under 18.
As part of a $1 billion statewide mental health investment, New York also funded 71 new school-based mental health clinic satellites, including 40 in high-needs districts.
Support from educators, parents, and students
The policy has been welcomed by a broad coalition, including:
- New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person: “We’re giving students seven hours a day free from distractions.”
- Phones Free New York Founder Raj Goyle: “It’s a new day for our kids and teachers alike.”
- Mothers Against Media Addiction Founder Julie Scelfo: “New York is now the largest state to pass full bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions for all K-12 schools.”
Even students themselves are praising the change. Anika Bhupati, an 8th grader at Farnsworth Middle School, said the ban transformed her school environment by helping students “focus, cultivate meaningful relationships, and renew their commitment to learning.”
What happens next
Schools across New York are now tasked with developing customized storage and access plans over the summer to be ready for implementation in September.
The goal is clear: making classrooms and hallways places of learning, connection, and creativity — not scrolling and distractions.
PASSED LAST YEAR: New York launches Safe for Kids Act targeting social media feeds
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