Governor Hochul’s bell-to-bell policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

• Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like 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

Governor Hochul’s policy allows authorized 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.

New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for championing this effort, and for trusting educators and communities to lead it. We’re not banning connection; we’re restoring it. Human connection. Academic connection. The kind that only happens when students can look up from their phones and engage with the world — and the people — around them.”

Additionally, the Governor’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 (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

• 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

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “If kids are distracted in the classroom, they aren’t learning, it’s that simple. Right now, students spend more than 90 minutes each school day on their phones. With New York’s new cellphone ban, students will be able to focus on what matters most–learning, building social relationships, and preparing themselves to enter a career or college. I want to thank Governor Hochul , my colleagues, and our teachers for getting this done this year and for investing in our students’ success.”

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, “The Governor’s initiative to create a distraction free learning environment for our children was a critical initiative in this year’s budget and for good reason. Our students and teachers and staff are entitled to a distraction free environment for learning, and I commend the Governor for bringing this initiative to the Legislature after several months of meetings throughout the state of New York to make sure the right policy was considered and approved – and it was. Those in the education community and society at large will benefit for generations to come as this policy is fully implemented starting this fall.”

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “Governor Hochul’s initiative to create distraction-free schools is critically important, as it has the potential to improve student mental health and promote in-person connection. Today’s roundtable offered administrators, teachers, and stakeholders a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and explore how this policy can be implemented successfully in each individual school for the upcoming year.”

Assemblymember Phil Steck said, “Every time I talk with educators, I hear the same thing. Students are more distracted than ever, and their ability to connect face-to-face has taken a real hit. We can’t ignore the impact constant phone use is having on learning and social development. Creating distraction-free schools is just common sense if we want kids focused in class and better prepared for life outside of it.”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Students need to be focused in order to learn and distractions, like the use of smartphones during the school day, impede this. I applaud Governor Hochul for championing the importance of the Distraction-Free Schools law. Bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions will also promote increased face-to-face interaction and that will promote socialization. Parents should be communicating with their school districts to let them know their concerns and how they can stay connected with their kids as needed during the school day.”