Governor Kathy Hochul sat down with school leaders, parents, and students in the Finger Lakes this week to talk about New York’s new bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions set to start this fall.
The roundtable included Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES, Rochester City, Greece Central, Holley Central, and Spencerport Central school districts, all of which have already finalized policies under the state’s Distraction-Free Schools law. Hochul noted that 86% of schools statewide have submitted their plans, with the rest expected to finish in the coming days.
The law bans unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices during the entire school day, including lunch and study halls. Schools can decide how to store devices, and $13.5 million in state funding is available to help with storage solutions. The rules also require a way for parents to reach students in emergencies and allow exceptions for medical, academic, and family needs.
Hochul said the goal is to keep students “learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.” Local superintendents and educators at the event said they’ve already seen improved focus, engagement, and connection from similar policies in their districts.
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