New York will become the largest state in the U.S. to require a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban in K-12 schools, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
The policy, which will take effect this fall at all public and charter schools, requires students to put away their phones for the entire school day, including during lunch and study hall periods. However, schools that allow students to leave campus for lunch can give them their cell phones while they are out of the building.
The ban covers any personal devices that connect to the internet, including laptops, tablets, and smart watches. School-issued devices are exempt and phones without internet access are still allowed. Exemptions will also be made for students who need their phones for language translation, medical conditions, or caregiving responsibilities.
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Schools will be allowed to develop their own plans for storing cell phones during the day and determining ways for students to connect with parents when needed. Teachers, parents, and students must be consulted in developing the policies, and approximately $13.5 million in funding will also be made available for schools to purchase items needed for storage.
“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,” Hochul wrote in a press release announcing the ban. “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age.”
In June 2024, Hochul signed the Safe for Kids Act, requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. Hochul also signed the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibiting online sites and connected devices from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18.
Which States Have Banned Cell Phones in School?
In addition to New York, other states that have enacted legislation or issued executive orders that ban cell phones in school include:
- Florida
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
Other states have enacted laws that limit cell phones in classrooms, including:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Ohio
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Additional states have encouraged districts to limit student cell phone use, including:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Kansas
- Oregon
- Washington
States that have said they are considering cell phone bans or restrictions include:
- Illinois
- Arizona
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Wisconsin
