As schools gear up to go smartphone-free this fall, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a new site, ny.gov/phonefree, that’s tracking policies across the state. About 96% of all school entities have met the state’s Aug. 1″bell-to-bell” ban deadline.
About 1,098 districts and schools are covered by the statewide requirement, including BOCES programs and charter schools. The balance are expected to approve plans during August school board meetings, according to the governor’s office.
The site, unveiled Aug. 14, allows users to find their specific school district and view the exact policy that the local school board had approved. Policies outline how devices will be limited — methods can vary from building to building within a district — when exceptions would be made and how policies would be enforced.
The ban was enacted via legislation that was included in the 2026 budget.
“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said during a recent visit to Middletown High School. “We’re continuing to provide the resources and support to ensure that every school finalizes and publishes their distraction-free policy in the coming days.”
‘There will be growing pains along the way’
Hochul was at Middletown High to join in a roundtable discussion on implementing Distraction-Free Schools.
Middletown schools have restricted internet-enabled devices since 2021.
“Our young people are talking to one another again,” Middletown schools Superintendent Amy Creeden said during Hochul’s Aug. 11 visit to the district. “Bell-to-bell cell phone-free spaces impacts scholar social and emotional well-being.”
Middletown school board President Edwin Estrada said changes include a “huge reduction of social media-related incidents.”
But, he said, “there were growing pains along the way.”
“You correct wherever you need to correct,” Estrada said during a press conference at the high school. “Each and every year we improve on policy.”
Hochul: Cell phone can be ‘a risk’ in a crisis
Generally, districts are recommending that parent-student communication should happen the old-fashioned way: Call the office. Some could consider implementing a system similar to Middletown, which allows students and parents to email using addresses that have been added to the schools’ systems.
Hochul said it’s understandable parents would be nervous about not being able to reach their child directly, especially in an emergency situation, but safety considerations have been top-of-mind.
“Law enforcement says that a cellphone is a risk in a shooting,” the Democratic governor said, noting that a cellphone could go off and give away a child’s hiding location. She also said that kids sharing information in realtime on social media can add to chaos and risk.
Hochul said she’s talked with law enforcement and safety officials about a bell-to-bell device ban. “What I learned … gave me great assurance.”
Every district has to have a plan in place for information outreach during an emergency, she said, as part of their plans filed with the state.
Meanwhile, Creeden, the Middletown superintendent, devised another option for students’ quick access to their devices in a crisis situation: Every classroom will have scissors, she said, and if there’s an emergency, students can cut the locking pouches and get their phones.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY school cell phone ban: Find your district’s policy for implementing restrictions
Reporting by Nancy Cutler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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