New York becoming the largest state in the nation to require broad, bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools

ALBANY, NY- New York is becoming the largest state in the nation to require statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools, according to an announcement from the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

“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,” the Governor said.

This landmark policy was included with the FY 2026 State Budget, which is well over a month due.

Starting later on this fall, the days of commonly using a smartphone while in the classroom setting will be no longer.

Of course, the state has allowed for each school district to come up with their own plans for storing smartphones – giving administrators and teachers flexibility to do what works best. This includes a requirement that would allow a student to contact their parents and or family when absolutely necessary.

“I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age,” the Governor added.

This new requirement will take place in the 2025-26 School Year and applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

Governor Hochul’s cellphone policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

• No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
• Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.
• Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free.
• Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary.
• Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy.
• Prevents inequitable discipline.

Governor Hochul’s policy clarifies that students would still be authorized to have access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.