Hochul discusses mobile device restrictions with education leadership in FLX region on a call
New York State Enacts Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Restrictions in Schools
Starting from the 2025-2026 school year, New York State and New York City will implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools, aiming to create distraction-free learning environments for students.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently held a roundtable discussion with school leaders, parents, and students from the Finger Lakes region to discuss the new policy. The discussion focused on the implementation of the Distraction-Free Schools law, which bans the unsanctioned use of smartphones and internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day, including class time, lunch, and study halls.
As of the discussion, 86% of schools statewide have submitted their plans under the Distraction-Free Schools law, with the remaining schools expected to finish soon. Participating school districts include Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, Rochester City, Greece Central, Holley Central, and Spencerport Central, among others.
The state law mandates distraction-free schools, with New York City public schools also updating their policy in July 2025 to prohibit personal devices during school hours, except for approved exceptions such as medical needs or Individual Education Programs.
Schools are required to provide secure storage solutions for devices and ensure families can reach students during emergencies. The state has allocated $13.5 million for schools statewide to implement storage solutions, and NYC received $4.3 million to assist implementation.
The policy aims to reduce distractions and improve focus and engagement in classrooms by minimizing disruptions caused by smartphones and other personal internet-enabled devices. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that limiting phone use helps students learn and thrive in "safe, nurturing environments" by removing distracting and sometimes degrading or dangerous phone usage.
Exceptions for medical needs and educational purposes ensure equitable access and prevent unfair discipline, addressing concerns for students who rely on devices for health or learning support.
The Finger Lakes region's leading all-digital news publication, FingerLakes1.com, founded in 1998, has been keeping residents informed about this and other local developments. The Distraction-Free Schools law, implemented by participating school districts, has shown positive effects on student focus, engagement, and connection.
Residents can sign up for the Morning Edition newsletter to receive headlines each morning. The FingerLakes1.com App is available for free download on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad). The news team at FingerLakes1.com accepts leads and tips via email at news@[their website].
Local superintendents and educators at the event reported improved focus, engagement, and connection from similar policies in their districts. The rules allow for a method for parents to reach students in emergencies. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the goal of keeping students "learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling."
Schools are responsible for deciding how to store devices. Schools that have already implemented the policy have seen improvements in student focus, engagement, and connection under the Distraction-Free Schools law.
- To ensure a distraction-free learning environment, Governor Kathy Hochul and school leaders in New York State are focused on education-and-self-development initiatives, such as the Distraction-Free Schools law, which encourages students to engage and connect more during classroom hours by limiting the unsanctioned use of smartphones and internet-enabled devices.
- In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of the Distraction-Free Schools law, schools across New York State are implementing various methods for secure device storage, promoting self-discipline and a greater focus on education-and-self-development during school hours, ultimately aiming to create safe, nurturing environments that encourage learning and growth.
