On Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Farnsworth Middle School to unveil a plan to make distraction-free learning environments by restricting smartphone use in K-12 schools statewide. Before an audience of Guilderland Central School District students, teachers, administrators and board members as well as local, county and state elected officials and education leaders, the governor spoke about her commitment to protecting youth mental health and promoting student success.
Gov. Hochul proposes establishing smartphone-free schools for all students in New York state for the entire school day — from bell-to-bell. These distraction-free environments will help to return the focus to learning by removing the devices that detract from students’ academic performance while also contributing to higher rates of bullying and youth mental health issues.
Creating distraction-free learning environments is an important initiative for GCSD this academic year. In December the district hosted a panel discussion for the school community to provide a variety of perspectives on implementing a cell phone-free policy. At the start of the school year, FMS began limiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices that interrupt or distract students from learning during school hours. While there was an adjustment period, the effects of this decision have been overwhelmingly positive.
On Wednesday, Gov. Hochul also released a report with recommendations gathered this past year from her statewide listening tour with students, parents and teachers regarding excessive smartphone use in schools, which kicked off at Guilderland High School in July. “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,” Gov. Hochul said. “Using the insights from my statewide listening tour, this comprehensive proposal to restrict smartphone use in schools will ensure that New York’s statewide standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our kids and educators.”
Gov. Hochul’s legislative proposal to create a statewide standard for distraction-free schools includes the following details:
- No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
- Schools will be allowed to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.
- $13.5 million in funding proposed to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free.
- Schools will be required to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day if needed.
This legislative proposal is part of Gov. Hochul’s 2026 Executive Budget Proposal.
In addition to hearing from Gov. Hochul, the assembled audience at FMS heard remarks from New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) President Melinda Person, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, NYS PTA Vice President and Parent from Yonkers Roberto Rijos, Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) Founder and Executive Director Julie Scelfo, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, State Senator Patricia Fahy and FMS eighth grade student Anika Bhupati.
Ms. Bhupati said, “Focusing in school and getting involved in activities is just easier without the constant distraction of apps and phones. I think it’s great that Gov. Hochul is helping more kids to get away from all the scrolling and get back to exploring our real interests and having fun with friends.”
When asked if she was concerned about not having her cell phone in an emergency situation, Ms. Bhupati replied that she is not concerned. She understands that teachers have training and know what to do in an emergency situation. “I’ve done research and I know that having your phone in school can alert the people you don’t want to alert. There are so many drawbacks to having your phone in these situations, I’d rather not have it.”
Additionally, Ms. Bhupati commented on the changes she has witnessed since the start of the school year, when FMS began to limit the use of cell phones and other electronic devices that interrupt and distract students from learning during school hours. She does not feel that students have had something taken away. “Without having phones, I feel that everyone talks much more and everyone knows each more and talks about their day and how they’re doing. So I feel like it definitely makes me feel like I have a closer connection with them.”
Learn more about Gov. Hochul’s plan to ensure distraction-free learning.