The state of New York is mandating “bell-to-bell” restrictions on K-12 student use of smartphones beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the move – which is authorized by the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget – on May 6.
The new rules apply to all public school districts, charter schools, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in the state.
Students will no longer be allowed to use smartphones or other personal internet-connected devices during class time, lunch, or study hall, unless specifically authorized. Schools will retain flexibility to determine how phones are stored during the day, whether in lockers, sealed pouches, or other systems.
The policy includes several exemptions. Students may use internet-enabled devices for medical needs, accommodations related to individualized education programs, academic purposes, emergencies, or other legitimate needs such as language translation or family caregiving.
The new rules will allow students to carry basic cellphones without internet access, and to use school-issued devices for lessons.
The device restrictions aim to promote student focus, reduce online bullying, and protect youth mental health by reducing exposure to addictive social media and digital distractions during school hours, according to state officials.
To support implementation, the state is allocating $13.5 million to assist schools that need help purchasing smartphone storage solutions.
“New York was the first state to target addictive social media feeds – and now we’re the largest state to restrict smartphones in schools throughout the entire school day,” said Gov. Hochul. “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.”
The governor said the smartphone restrictions are a natural next step in her broader agenda to shield children from the harmful effects of excessive technology use. Last year, Gov. Hochul signed the nation’s first law aimed at curbing addictive social media feeds for minors.
New York joins other states including Florida, Indiana, and Iowa that have implemented similar K-12 device restrictions in schools.
