Most New York educators say the state’s phone-free schools policy has improved classroom behavior, student engagement and social interaction during its first full year, according to a new statewide survey released by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office.
The end-of-year survey collected responses from 585 teachers, administrators and school staff across the state. About 80% said the policy produced positive results for their schools, while 76% reported improvements in classroom behavior and student engagement.
Three of the most commonly cited benefits were more active participation in class discussions, better peer collaboration and improved focus on assignments.
The survey also found that 75% of respondents believed their ability to teach effectively had improved under the policy. Eighty percent said student social connections had strengthened, and 60% reported declines in bullying and cyberbullying incidents.
The findings build on a midyear survey that showed broad support for the initiative after New York implemented one of the nation’s strictest bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in schools at the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
State officials said the results suggest fewer phone distractions are helping students focus more on learning and interacting with classmates.
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