Phone-Free Schools: New York’s Bell-to-Bell Law + $13.5M Rollout
With over 700 districts and 2.5 million students, the Empire State is now the largest to mandate bell-to-bell phone-free policies in public K–12 schools.
Starting this fall, New York will become the largest state in the nation to require statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools—backed by $13.5 million in implementation funding. Announced on January 21, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed phone-free policy mandates that devices are off and out of sight from the first bell to the last. This legislation aims to help create distraction-free classrooms that enhance focus, foster connection, and drive student success.
What New York Districts Must Do by Fall 2025
To comply with the new statewide regulation, every New York public district—including charter schools and BOCES—must implement a comprehensive phone-free policy for the 2025–2026 school year. This means:
Core Requirements
Create a “Distraction-Free Schools” Policy: Prohibit student use of internet-enabled devices during the entire school day, including classroom time, lunch, study halls, and passing periods.
Provide On-Site Storage: Offer secure storage solutions for devices (e.g., pouches, lockers) accessible at arrival and dismissal.
Ensure Communication Access: Develop a way for parents and guardians to reach students during school hours if needed.
Establish an Enforcement Plan: Clearly define how the policy will be implemented and upheld.
Communicate the Policy: Share the final version with students, families, and staff ahead of rollout.
Additional Guidelines
District Autonomy: Schools may define their own enforcement procedures, including progressive discipline strategies.
Built-In Flexibility: Exceptions are allowed for:
Teacher-approved instructional use
Students with IEPs or medical needs (e.g., diabetes tracking apps)
Translation tools, caregiving responsibilities, and emergencies
More guidance is coming. The New York State Department of Education is preparing additional implementation details. Yondr will continue to assist districts as requirements are finalized.
What State Leaders Are Saying
Governor Hochul emphasized the broad support behind the initiative:
“From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing—not clicking and scrolling.”
—Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reinforced the universal classroom benefits of disconnecting during the school day:
“The science is clear that cellphones are really distracting our students, our teachers, and it’s adding to bullying. It creates an unhealthy environment.”
—Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City
Early Results from New York Schools
New York schools that have partnered with Yondr to go phone-free are witnessing transformative results that emerged almost immediately. Students have experienced significant improvements in mental health and classroom engagement, while teachers have reported stronger peer connections and increased time to dedicate to actual instruction.
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“We noticed that on day one of implementation with Yondr three years ago, our students began to engage socially and academically in the classrooms. You saw a transformation.”
—Dave Blanchard, Superintendent
“I think it's one of the best initiatives that we've undertaken in my 19 years here.”
—Jen McClure, Teacher
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After the Bronx-based high school restricted smartphone use, AP test scores rose, grades bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, and student attendance at extracurricular events increased by 50%.
“Some students even privately thanked me. It made it easier for them to focus.”
—Monica Samuels, Principal
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Educators saw classroom engagement rise and social interaction increase as students replaced screen time with card games and conversation.
“When you would actually speak to them, you had their attention.” —Kate Sinnott, Math Teacher
State-wide Student Benefits
Through the Yondr Phone-Free Schools Program, students receive a meaningful 6–8 hour daily opportunity to step away from screen-based distractions to reconnect with their learning environment, improve their mental health, and boost their engagement.
86% of educators noted a positive impact on safety and wellness
84% saw increased student engagement
68% observed improvement in academic performance
Supporting Teachers Starts with Supporting the Classroom
Better classroom management doesn’t just serve students—it helps teachers do their job best.
When devices are banned during the academic day, educators note decreased anxiety, greater lesson time, and fewer behavioral interruptions. Throughout New York and nationwide, phone-free initiatives are transforming classrooms into more manageable—and more fulfilling—environments for all.
Recent findings show:
A pilot study from Auburn University found that teachers in a phone-free middle school reported increased social interaction among students and said the new environment made their work more meaningful and sustainable (Auburn University).
Research from Western Kentucky University found that the majority of teachers reported being distracted by students using their phones during class, impacting their ability to teach effectively (Western Kentucky University).
A 2024 Pew Research Center report cited by the NEA showed that 90% of teachers support banning phones during instructional time, with many linking phone use to increased teacher frustration and burnout (NEA.org).
As more New York districts prepare to implement this policy, it presents a valuable opportunity to not only refocus students, but to support and re-inspire the teachers who serve them each day.
How Yondr Can Help New York Schools Lead
New York’s phone-free mandate is fast approaching—and Yondr’s Phone-Free Schools Program is here to help schools lead the way. Our simple, proven solution helps build distraction-free classrooms that work—aligning with Governor Hochul’s bell-to-bell policy and supporting students, staff, and families in creating a culture of phone-free learning.
The Yondr Program is fully compliant with New York’s new regulation—offering secure on-site storage, clear policy development support, and a system that meets both student needs and state expectations.
We provide:
Customized policy development tailored to your district’s needs
Comprehensive training and onboarding for staff, students, and parents
Secure, durable pouches that let students keep phones—without the distractions
Reliable unlocking infrastructure to ensure smooth daily operations
Ongoing support to guarantee long-term success
Join the growing number of New York schools partnering with Yondr to build phone-free classrooms that work—for students, teachers, and families.
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Yondr has offices in California, New York, Minnesota, London, and Sydney.
