Governor Kathy Hochul met with school leaders, parents, and students from the Hudson Valley to discuss plans for enforcing bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in schools starting this fall. The event included representatives from the Enlarged City School District of Middletown and Orange-Ulster BOCES, both of which have finalized their policies to create distraction-free environments.
According to Governor Hochul, nearly 1,000 public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES across New York State have submitted their distraction-free policies to state education officials. This accounts for about 90 percent of the total districts and schools that are required by the new statewide law. The remaining districts are expected to finalize their policies soon at upcoming school board meetings.
“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why schools across New York State will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions this fall,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to provide the resources and support to ensure that every school finalizes and publishes their distraction-free policy in the coming days.”
Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay stated, “Distraction free learning has been proven to have positive impacts on students and their school experience. I’m proud to join Governor Hochul, Superintendent Amy Creeden, and Orange-Ulster BOCES to promote environments that reduce anxiety and bullying, while improving educational outcomes.”
Orange-Ulster BOCES Chief Operating Officer Deborah Heppes added, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for working to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn without the constant distraction of cell phones, notifications, and the outside world. Reducing phone use during the day is a simple change that will have a big impact on student well-being. With support for implementation and a thoughtful approach, this transition will help students succeed socially, emotionally, and academically.”
Edwin Estrada, President of Enlarged City School District of Middletown Board of Education said: “By working together with state leaders, educators, parents, and students, we’ve developed a policy that puts learning first. This is about creating environments where focus comes naturally, interactions are genuine, and every student has the best chance to excel.”
Enlarged City School District of Middletown Superintendent Amy Creeden commented: “Classrooms work best when students are fully engaged in learning, not pulled away by constant notifications. This policy is about giving our students the time and space to focus, connect with peers face-to-face, and thrive academically. Thank you to Governor Hochul for making this initiative a statewide policy so all students have the opportunity to excel this academic year.”
The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires K-12 public schools across New York State to prohibit unsanctioned use of smartphones or other internet-enabled personal devices throughout the entire school day—including lunch periods—beginning with the 2025-26 academic year.
Under these guidelines:
– Schools must ban non-approved use of smartphones on campus during all hours between arrival (“bell”) until dismissal.
– Each district can determine its own methods for storing devices during school hours.
– $13.5 million in funding will be available for storage solutions needed by some schools.
– Policies must allow parents ways to contact children during emergencies or as necessary.
– Teachers’, parents’, and students’ input must be included in local policy development.
– Rules aim also at preventing inequitable discipline practices.
Students may still access basic cellphones without internet capability or devices issued by schools as part of classroom instruction. Exemptions exist for medical needs managed via technology or where specified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), as well as certain academic or emergency situations such as translation needs or family caregiving.
The initiative follows consultations held across New York State involving teachers, parents,and students—a process summarized in Governor Hochul’s report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools.” Findings indicate that smartphones can disrupt attention spans but phone-free environments do not jeopardize safety; rather they improve mental health among both staffand pupils.
Recommendations also highlight open communication with families about staying connected during school hours,and emphasize broad engagement through clubs,sports,and arts programs helps reinforce distraction-free culture.
