Cell Phones to Be Banned in New York Schools

Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, New York will ban cell phones in all K-12 public, charter, and BOCES schools during school hours. The “bell-to-bell” ban, included in the 2026 budget, hopes to reduce classroom distractions and improve children’s focus.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the policy during the budget signing while surrounded by school children. “Every student in the State of New York, starting in September, will have the opportunity of having a distraction-free school experience where they can learn and study, instead of looking at memes,” she said. “They’ll look at their math, get things done in school, and be more productive and benefit them overall.”

A school in our area was ahead of its time. Middletown High School implemented a cell phone ban, now and its third year. They use a system called ‘Yondr Pouches,’ allowing teachers to have phones locked and stored during class, and it is working said school Principal William Donahue.

“We’ve seen an improvement in classroom focus from our teachers in terms of levels of engagement and kids socializing,” he said. “That’s been the biggest win because teachers say they got their classroom back.”

Schools will be required to develop their own phone storage plans.