
Find Out Your Local School Phone Policies This Year
A new statewide ban on smartphones and certain electronics in K–12 schools has taken effect across New York at the start of the new school year, with more than 1,000 school districts updating their policies to limit device use during school hours. Governor Hochul emphasized that reducing smartphone distractions is key to improving student focus and academic success, and unveiled an online resource for parents and students to review their district’s plan at ny.gov/phonefree. Districts seem to be taking varied approaches to enforcement, some requiring devices to be stored in lockers while others are opting to use designated holders, with exceptions for specific needs and emergency situations. This seems to mark a significant shift toward creating more phone-free learning environments across the state.