New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a sweeping initiative as part of the new state budget that would prohibit students from using cellphones throughout the entire school day. The move aligns New York with a broader national effort to limit student screen time and reduce dependence on social media and other digital distractions.
The plan introduces a strict “bell-to-bell” cellphone restriction, meaning students won’t be allowed to use mobile devices from the start of the school day until dismissal. The restriction applies not just during lessons but extends to lunchtime and study hall as well.
CBS News reported that the policy is embedded in a newly agreed-upon $254 billion state budget deal. Governor Hochul explained that the upcoming measure, set to be implemented in the next academic year, is designed to limit exposure to what she calls harmful, addictive digital habits.
“Protecting our communities requires more than streets where people feel safe,” Hochul said. “We need classrooms where young minds can flourish, and that means eliminating once and for all the digital distractions that steal our kids’ attention.”
“We protected our kids before from cigarettes, alcohol and drunk driving, and now, we’re protecting them from addictive technology designed to hijack their attention,” the governor added.
The initiative has garnered backing from the New York State United Teachers union, which called the situation urgent and voiced support for the classroom crackdown. “We are at a crisis point,” the union reportedly stated.
Back in January, Hochul previewed the plan during a CBS News interview, where she emphasized its benefits. “A bell-to-bell ban, morning until the day is over, is not going to hurt your kids. It’s going to help them emerge with stronger mental health and resiliency,” she said.
The proposed ban will include not only smartphones but also smartwatches and other wearable tech, with the restrictions covering all parts of the school day—including times typically seen as less structured, such as lunch periods and breaks.
Still, the policy will allow exceptions in specific cases, such as students needing a smart device to monitor a medical issue or to assist with language translation, according to Hochul.
To address parental concerns, schools will be required to ensure that there remains a reliable way for parents to contact their children during school hours. As the governor pointed out, this was standard practice before the era of personal devices—parents simply phoned the school office.
{Matzav.com}