Hochul Announces 'Bell To Bell' Ban On Cellphones In NY Schools

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that New York is set to become the largest state in the nation with a "bell-to-bell" restriction on smartphones in K through 12 schools.

Hochul said she secured the "landmark' victory as part of the agreement on the 2026 state budget. Once the budget is adopted and enacted, New York State’s distraction-free schools policy would be slated to take effect this fall, for the 2025 to 2026 school year, she said.

Hochul said the plan reflects a commitment to protecting youth mental health and promoting student success in the digital age; the move follows Hochul's steps last year to secure and sign a first-in-the-nation law to restrict addictive social media feeds for minors.

"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," Hochul said. “" 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 new requirement applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES.

Tenets of the statewide standard include:

• No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K to 12 schools for the entire school day — or, from "bell to bell" — including classroom time and other settings such as 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.

In addition, Hochul’s policy explains 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.

Hochul's policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student's Individualized Education Program, or IEP, for academic purposes, or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

The governor pursuied the initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students, and gathering findings to support the need for greater cellphone restriction in our schools. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” states that:

• Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity.
• Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety.
• Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers.
• Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation.
• Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day.
• An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom.
• Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming.

Leaders reflected on the news.

New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person said: "This isn’t about being anti-phone or anti-technology — it’s about being pro-childhood. We’re giving students seven hours a day free from distractions so they can focus on learning, access their creativity, and make real human connections. Tackling social media and technology use as a public health issue will take continued partnership, education, and courage — and New York is ready to lead the way."

Phones Free New York Founder Raj Goyle agreed. "I thank Governor Hochul and the legislature for their truly courageous stand in protecting our children from the harmful effects of smartphones at schools. As a New York dad of two teenage girls, I am proud that New York will be the largest state in the country with a bell-to-bell band. We look forward to working with school districts in implementing this groundbreaking law. It’s a new day for our kids and teachers alike."

Farnsworth Middle School 8th Grade Student Anika Bhupati also commented: "The 'Bell-to-Bell' smartphone ban has truly transformed our school environment by helping students focus, cultivate meaningful relationships, and renew their commitment to learning. Without the constant distractions of smartphones, our classrooms have become spaces where students are fully present, engaged, and empowered to succeed. This policy is a critical step in protecting the potential of future generations and ensuring that schools across New York remain places where education comes first."