John,

It’s no secret that cell phones are distracting kids in schools across the country. Young people are constantly dealing with never-ending pressure and stress — from how they look, to whether their clothes are cool, or if they’re being excluded from a party. How can they possibly focus in class with all that on their minds and constant notifications buzzing in their pockets?

That’s why back in January, I proposed bell-to-bell restrictions on cell phones in New York schools. I knew we had to put an end to these digital distractions and give kids their childhood back.

I’m proud to say: We got it done.

New York is now the largest state in the country to enact statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on cell phones in K-12 schools. Starting this fall:

• Students will be required to put smartphones away and out of sight – not just during homeroom or lunch, but for the entire school day
• Schools will be empowered to develop their own implementation plans and can utilize new funding to purchase solutions to help them go distraction-free
• Parents will still be able to contact their child during the day if they need to. And in the case of an emergency, law enforcement experts have made it clear that students are safer when they’re focused on the direction of trained adults – not distracted by their phones.

For many students and parents, these policies are nothing new: Schools throughout New York have already implemented similar measures, and they’ve been transformative:

I’ll never back down when it comes to what’s best for our children, because your family is my fight. I said that on day one, and I mean it just as much today.

We’ve protected our children before – from cigarettes to alcohol and drunk driving. Now, we’re taking action again by protecting them from the challenges of addictive technology.

Ever Upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul 

To stay up to date on the latest news, make sure to follow me on social media: