Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos have unveiled plans to implement smartphone restrictions across New York’s public schools, aligning with the newly signed Statewide Distraction-Free Schools Law.

Starting this fall, all K–12 districts must publish policies banning unauthorized smartphone use during the school day. The initiative aims to improve student focus, mental health, and classroom engagement, with NYC—the nation’s largest school system—leading the rollout.

At a roundtable held at Walton High School, Hochul and Avilés-Ramos met with educators, union leaders, students, and safety officials to discuss implementation. The Chancellor’s proposal will be voted on by NYC’s Panel for Educational Policy on July 23.

Governor Hochul emphasized, “Our youth thrive when they learn and grow—not when they scroll and click. This law ensures every student starts the year with clarity and focus.”

State officials have launched a resource hub with FAQs and toolkits to support districts ahead of the August 1 deadline for policy publication.