LONG ISLAND, NY – Beginning this fall, New York will become the largest state in the nation to implement a statewide ban on student smartphone use during the school day, as part of an effort to curb digital distractions, improve academic performance, and protect mental health in K–12 classrooms.
The new policy, included in the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, mandates that all public and charter schools enforce a “bell-to-bell” ban on smartphones and other smart devices. That means students will not be allowed to use personal devices from the moment school begins until dismissal, with limited exceptions for medical or emergency needs.
School districts must publish their individual compliance plans by August 1, 2025. These plans must outline how phones will be collected or restricted, how rules will be enforced, and what criteria will be used to grant exemptions.
To support implementation, the state is providing $13.5 million in funding, which amounts to roughly $10 per student. Districts may use the funds to invest in storage solutions such as locking pouches or secure lockers, depending on their enforcement strategy.
Exemptions to the policy will be granted for students who require access to their devices for:
- Documented medical conditions (e.g., diabetes monitoring)
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Translation or accessibility services
- Emergency caregiving responsibilities
Supporters of the ban argue that limiting phone use will help reduce cyberbullying, limit access to harmful content, and foster more focused learning environments. Critics have expressed concern over how emergency communications will be handled and whether exemptions will be applied fairly.
New York’s move mirrors similar efforts seen in other states. North Carolina recently enacted a law requiring phone bans during instruction time and mandating social media education as part of the school curriculum.
With final policy deadlines approaching, local districts across Long Island and the rest of the state are now actively preparing for implementation. While the specifics will vary by district, the new statewide standard marks a significant cultural shift in how schools handle digital technology on campus.
Top Questions About New York’s Cell Phone Ban in Schools
- Q: When will the cell phone ban go into effect in Long Island schools?
A: The ban begins with the 2025–2026 school year. All public and charter schools must enforce it starting in September 2025. - Q: Does this apply to all Long Island school districts?
A: Yes. The policy applies to every public and charter K–12 school across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, as well as the rest of New York State. - Q: What exactly does “bell-to-bell” mean?
A: “Bell-to-bell” means students will not be allowed to use smart devices from the time the first class begins until the final bell at the end of the school day. - Q: Will students still be able to carry phones for safety reasons?
A: Devices may be carried but must be turned off or stored in accordance with each district’s policy. Some schools may use locking pouches or lockers. - Q: Are there any exceptions for students?
A: Yes. Exemptions include documented medical needs (like glucose monitoring), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), translation services, caregiving duties, and emergencies. - Q: How will Long Island schools pay for this new policy?
A: The state has allocated $13.5 million to help districts implement the ban. That includes up to $10 per student to cover storage equipment and administrative costs. - Q: Who decides how the policy is enforced in each district?
A: Each school district will design and publish its own policy by August 1, 2025. That includes how phones will be collected, stored, and when exceptions apply. - Q: Why is this happening now?
A: State officials cite growing concerns about cyberbullying, classroom distraction, digital addiction, and mental health challenges linked to excessive phone use among students. - Q: Are any local Long Island districts already using similar rules?
A: Yes. Several districts, including ones in Suffolk County, have already implemented partial or full phone restrictions. The new law will now make this consistent statewide. - Q: Will parents still be able to reach their children during emergencies?
A: Each school must provide protocols for emergency contact. This may include calling the main office or designated staff depending on the school’s individual plan.
