On January 22, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul joined with students, parents, teachers, social justice advocates, and law enforcement officials to announce a push to restrict smartphone use in Empire State schools from Kindergarten through grade 12 statewide.
This proposal is part of the Governor’s legislative proposal for the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget Proposal. Governor Hochul noted that this is regarding excessive smartphone use in schools, and is her commitment to protecting youth mental health and student success in the digital age.
From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling. Using the insights from my statewide listening tour, this comprehensive proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools will ensure that New York’s statewide standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators. – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
The details from Governor Hochul’s proposal include the following, according to the news release:
- No 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.
- Allows schools to develop their plans for storing smartphones during the day, giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.
- Proposes $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 if needed.
New York State students would continue to have access to simple cell phones 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.
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Exemptions would include smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition or for other academic purposes.
This proposal by Governor Hochul would begin with the 2025-26 School Year for all New York State public school districts, charter schools, and BOCES.
For more information, visit New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s website.
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