NEW YORK SCHOOLS ARE PHONE-FREE
Yondr has been helping students thrive, distraction-free, for over a decade. More than one-third of New York public secondary schools have already unplugged and are reaping the benefits of phone-free learning with Yondr.
NEW YORK’S ONGOING BELL-TO-BELL LAW
New York is one of the largest states to mandate bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions in all public K–12 schools. The state has released rollout guidance—backed by funding and a fast-approaching deadline.
Get step-by-step instructions on how to access your district’s funding, what qualifies as compliant storage (including Yondr), and how existing partners can use the funds, too. All districts serving grades 7–12 are eligible—don’t miss the August 1 deadline.
PHONE-FREE FOCUS.
PROVEN RESULTS.
Millions of Students use Yondr Everyday.
We partner with thousands of schools across 48 countries.
Off-and-Away vs Bell-to-Bell
When phone policies rely on trust alone, enforcement breaks down. Schools that succeed create a clear, consistent system that works for everyone.
Off-and-Away on Your Own Fails
When students are just told to keep phones “off and away,” responsibility falls on individuals rather than a system—and the result is inconsistency and frustration.
Teachers become phone police: Educators are forced to monitor phones instead of focusing on instruction
Enforcement varies: Different teachers enforce the rule differently, creating confusion and loopholes
Students test boundaries: Without a visible system, students push limits and negotiate exceptions
Administrators absorb discipline escalations: What begins as a classroom distraction quickly turns into repeated referrals and administrative time
Bell-to-Bell with Yondr Succeeds
Successful phone-free schools remove ambiguity by implementing a simple, school-wide program supported by the entire community.
Tools: Yondr provides an array of tools that makes phone-free learning visible and consistent
Training and Support: Staff receive clear guidance on rollout, routines and ongoing best practices
Student education: Students learn the purpose and benefits of phone-free time
Family communication: Schools receive resources to explain the program and set expectations with families
Clear enforcement systems: A consistent structure eliminates guesswork and ensures fairness
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
Explore real stories, expert insights, and local leadership shaping New York’s phone-free future.
Lackawanna is setting the bar with a well-communicated, fully implemented bell-to-bell phone-free policy—built in partnership with Yondr.
Looking to craft a compliant phone-free policy that meets New York’s new law? These official resources from the Governor Hochul's office can help.
New York officially went phone-free starting Fall 2025. Learn what districts need to do and how Yondr is helping schools stay compliant and focused.