New York To Become Largest State In The Nation With Statewide ‘Bell-To-Bell’ Restrictions On Smartphones In Schools

New York is becoming the largest state in the nation to require statewide, “bell-to-bell” restrictions on smartphones in elementary and secondary (K-12) schools for the entire school day as part of a new “distraction-free schools” policy. The policy will take effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year and applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). It is intended to be a permanent policy.

The new statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York includes policies to:

Prohibit unsanctioned use of . . .