As part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, schools would be required to institute a policy to restrict cellphones and other internet-enabled devices. A special container for storing the devices is seen here. (Isaac Ritchey | [email protected]) Isaac Ritchey | [email protected]

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on January 21 a proposal to ban cell phones in classrooms. She stated that cell phones in the classroom are a major disruption for all students. A recent poll revealed that 95% of students have access to a smartphone and receive on average 250 notifications throughout the school day,

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing legislation to ban cell phones in public school classrooms, saying the move is necessary to give students a “distraction-free learning environment.”