Hochul unveils plan to restrict smartphone use in schools

ALBANY | On Jan. 22, Gov. Kathy Hochul stood with students, parents, teachers, social justice advocates and law enforcement officials to launch her push to restrict smartphone use in K-12 schools statewide. The launch of this new effort follows the introduction of this legislative proposal as part of Governor Hochul's FY 2026 Executive Budget Proposal. Additionally, Governor Hochul released a new report with recommendations gathered from her statewide listening tour this past year with students, parents and teachers regarding excessive smartphone use in schools. This effort continues Governor Hochul's commitment to protecting youth mental health and promoting student success in the digital age, following her action last year to secure and sign a first-in-the-nation law to restrict addictive social media feeds for minors. "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," Governor Hochul said. "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." Governor Hochul's legislative proposal to create a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York can be seen here. This new legislation covers requirements and details including: -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 own 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. The Governor's proposal also clarifies that students would still be authorized 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. Additionally, the Governor's proposal 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), or for other academic purposes, such as translation. This new requirement would be in place starting in the 2025-26 School Year and would apply to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Governor Hochul's new report "More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools" includes: FINDINGS FROM STATEWIDE LISTENING TOUR - 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 RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE - 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 In June 2024, Governor Hochul signed the Safe for Kids Act after strongly advocating for and securing passage of the legislation. That law, the first of its kind to be signed in any state in the nation, requires social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. Unless parental consent is granted, users under 18 will not receive addictive feeds. Governor Hochul also signed the New York Child Data Protection act, which prohibits online sites and connected devices from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website. NYSUT President Melinda Person said, "Today marks a pivotal step in our push to create distraction-free learning environments, ensuring our schools are sanctuaries for learning, growth and genuine connection. This movement is growing larger and stronger every day, and has brought together parents, teachers, law enforcement, and local officials who all recognize the crucial importance of giving children a school day free from the pressures of social media and other distractions. I want to thank Gov. Hochul for keeping student mental health a top priority, and for her clear dedication to the success and well-being of the next generation." New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "The use of mobile phones by students during a quickly developing school emergency is a distraction that could compromise the safety of students and school staff. State Police and local law enforcement will support school districts as they implement new cell phone policies as part of their school safety plans."

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Hochul unveils plan to restrict smartphone use in schools

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