As state budget talks intensify, New York’s largest teachers union is making a loud and unified push for a policy it says could transform classrooms across the state: a full-day ban on student cellphone use.
Local leaders representing more than 20,000 members of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) from the Finger Lakes region sent a letter to state legislators urging support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed “bell-to-bell” cellphone restriction in schools. The policy would require students to put away their phones from the first bell of the day until dismissal, with local exceptions for emergencies and other needs.
“Bell-to-bell policies work best, because students are freed to focus the entire day, rather than counting down minutes in each class for a few moments of screen time during passing periods,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person, emphasizing that the change is essential to student learning and mental health.
To support the effort, NYSUT also launched a statewide ad campaign calling for distraction-free learning environments, adding to momentum built by six regional conferences in recent months. Events in Rochester, Plattsburgh, Buffalo, Long Island, Syracuse, and Suffern gathered experts, educators, and parents who shared strategies and success stories tied to comprehensive phone bans.
In their March 20 letter, the Finger Lakes union presidents pointed to research showing significant benefits where similar policies are in place. Schools saw up to a 75% drop in discipline referrals, a 38% decline in chronic absenteeism, and a 91% increase in student engagement. Teachers also reported improved academic performance and social interaction.
“Phone-free schools, bell-to-bell, encourage students to interact with each other face-to-face throughout the day, fostering stronger social skills like communication, collaboration, and problem solving,” the letter reads.
Educators argue that allowing phones between classes not only undermines consistency but wastes up to 20% of instructional time as teachers manage devices at the start and end of each period. The letter also noted widespread support from parents, law enforcement, and school resource officers who believe a full-day policy creates safer, more focused environments.
With the budget deadline approaching, NYSUT leaders say now is the time for action. They are urging lawmakers to include the proposal in the final spending plan and give schools time to prepare for a rollout in the 2025–2026 school year.
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