18 May New York’s “Bell-to-Bell” Cellphone Ban: What Schools Need to Know
In April 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide “bell-to-bell” ban on student cellphone use during school hours, as part of the state budget agreement. The initiative aims to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health. Times Union+2New York Post+2AP News+2
Key Points:
- Prohibits cellphone use during the entire school day, with exceptions for medical needs, language translation, and educational purposes.
- Schools have discretion in implementing storage solutions, such as locking pouches or lockers.
- The state allocated $13.5 million to assist schools in implementing the ban.New York Post+1New York Post+1
Implications for Schools: Districts must develop and implement policies by the start of the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
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