New York Governor Suggests Ban on Cellphones in Schools
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has put forth new legislation that aims to require students to refrain from using their smartphones while at school.
On Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to prohibit cellphone usage in educational institutions to reduce distractions during school hours.
During her budget address, Hochul emphasized the difficulties teachers face in capturing their students’ attention amid numerous phone distractions. To combat this problem, the governor plans to establish a statewide cellphone ban in schools beginning with the next academic term.
A recent poll indicated that 95 percent of students across the United States have access to mobile devices and typically receive around 250 notifications daily.
“As a mother, these numbers resonate with me. I understand how challenging it can be to gain your children’s focus,” she remarked. “We aren’t equipping them with the necessary skills because they are preoccupied with their phones.”
This proposed legislation stems from discussions held by Hochul last year with a variety of stakeholders, including parents, students, educators, school leaders, advocates, and community figures, to evaluate the impact of smartphones on students’ learning, communication, and mental health.
“Following these discussions, I am proud to present a proposal today that will revitalize our classrooms,” Hochul stated. “We intend to restore them as environments focused on education, implementing a new statewide policy to create distraction-free classrooms in New York.”
The law would mandate that students disconnect from their devices during school hours, encompassing classes, lunch breaks, and hallway time.
According to Hochul, school districts will have the discretion to determine how to enforce these regulations, including how students’ devices are secured, while ensuring adherence to the law.
The legislation will accommodate exceptions for students requiring device access due to medical necessities, non-English speakers, and those with learning disabilities.
This proposal awaits approval from state legislators. Blake Washington, the budget director, announced that approximately $13.5 million will be allocated to assist school districts with the implementation of the cellphone ban.
Several states have enacted measures to regulate student cellphone usage in educational settings. California Governor Gavin Newsom approved legislation last year mandating that school districts, charter schools, and county education offices establish policies to prohibit or limit smartphone use by July 2026.