Governor Kathy Hochul's Initiative for Distraction-Free Schools Across New York State

New York Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul has been working on implementing a statewide policy aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments in schools across New York State. As part of this initiative, the Governor held a roundtable with Finger Lakes region school leaders, parents, and students to highlight plans for implementing bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions when school resumes this fall. The roundtable included representatives from several school districts and organizations, all of whom have finalized their distraction-free policies.

The Governor's policy, signed into law, requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. The policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools, including allowing schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day, providing $13.5 million in funding to assist schools in purchasing storage solutions, and requiring schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary.

Key Takeaways:

Over 950 public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES across New York State have submitted their distraction-free policies to State education officials, representing 86% of the 1,098 total districts and schools required to follow the statewide policy.
The policy prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
The policy 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.
The policy requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary, and to consult with teachers, parents, and students in developing the local policy.
The policy has received support from various organizations, including:

+ Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, who stated that the Governor's plan to restrict cell phone use during the school day is a commonsense measure that puts student's mental health, safety, and academic success first.

+ Monroe County School Boards Association Executive Director Amy Thomas, who welcomed the Governor's statewide policy and stated that limiting the unsanctioned use of smartphones and personal internet-enabled devices during the school day is a meaningful step toward improving student engagement, focus, and well-being.

+ Golisano Children's Hospital Chair of Pediatrics Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, who appreciated efforts that prioritize children's well-being and support both their educational and developmental outcomes.

Statistics:

950 public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES have submitted their distraction-free policies, representing 86% of the total 1,098 districts and schools required to follow the policy.
$13.5 million in funding has been allocated to assist schools in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free.
650 policy submissions have come from public school districts across the state.
Over 300 students, staff, and family members provided feedback in the development of the policy.

Sources:

Governor Kathy Hochul's office
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello
Monroe County School Boards Association Executive Director Amy Thomas
Golisano Children's Hospital Chair of Pediatrics Jill Halterman, MD, MPH
New York State Education Department
State Education Department's report "More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools"