Governor Kathy Hochul is pressing forward with a sweeping new law that will ban student smartphone use throughout the entire school day across New York’s public K-12 schools starting this fall.
Speaking at a roundtable in Central New York, Hochul highlighted the urgency of implementing the Distraction-Free Schools law, which requires “bell-to-bell” restrictions on internet-enabled personal devices during school hours, including during lunch and study periods.
“As Governor, my priority is ensuring every New York student receives a high-quality education, free from constant clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. “That’s why I’ve directed my team to commit every available resource for school districts to develop their distraction-free learning policies by the August 1 deadline.”
More than 400 school districts have already finalized and submitted their plans ahead of the August 1 mandate. Under the new law, each district must adopt a local policy for restricting smartphones and submit it to the state before the new school year begins. Schools have flexibility in how they store devices and are eligible for part of a $13.5 million fund to help implement storage solutions.
The policy mandates that schools provide a way for parents to reach their children during the day and consult with teachers, parents, and students in shaping their local rules. It also prohibits inequitable enforcement and allows exceptions for students with medical or learning needs.
Roundtables in Syracuse, New York City, and the Capital Region have brought together students, teachers, and administrators to discuss implementation. Hochul’s push follows findings from her report, “More Learning, Less Scrolling,” which cited growing concerns that smartphones distract students and negatively affect mental health.
“Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers,” the Governor’s office stated.
The law permits continued use of school-issued tablets and laptops for learning, as well as basic cellphones without internet access. Limited exemptions also apply for translation needs, caregiving, and emergencies.
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