New York may become the next state to prohibit students from using their mobile phones in schools, following a new proposal from Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday as part of her budget initiative.

Hochul’s proposal would mandate that school districts implement policies banning smartphone usage during school hours to create a “distraction-free learning environment,” as outlined in her budget briefing.

Specific exceptions to the ban would allow students to use their phones for educational activities, health-related reasons, translation needs, and emergencies.

During her budget presentation in Albany, Hochul emphasized that these regulations aim to reduce distractions to learning and bullying, a strategy developed after multiple discussions around the state regarding the impact of cell phone use on student engagement and learning.

“We’re failing to cultivate essential skills because students are becoming easily distracted by their phones,” Hochul stated. “It’s difficult for teachers to instruct in subjects like algebra and geography when they have to compete with viral trends, messages from friends, and even threats and bullying. How can students focus when all of this is happening?”

Eight States Have Enacted Laws to Limit Phone Use in Schools

A significant number of students use their phones during school time, with a Common Sense Media study indicating a median screen time of 43 minutes. The topic of phone use in classrooms has sparked significant debate and led to an increase in state legislation nationwide.

At least eight states have introduced laws to either ban or limit student cell phone usage in schools due to concerns about academic performance and mental health, as reported by KFF, a health policy and research organization. Over a dozen other states are also considering similar legislation.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom enacted a law in September aimed at reducing cell phone use in classrooms, with a goal of improving students’ mental health. School districts and charter schools must establish policies to limit or prohibit smartphone use by July 1, 2026.

In March, then-Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb approved a bill that forbids students from utilizing phones and other wireless devices in classrooms. Similarly, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill in May that requires districts to create policies regulating cell phone usage during school hours.

In 2023, Florida became the first state to ban student phone usage during class time and to restrict access to social media via the school’s Wi-Fi network.

Opinions of Parents, Teachers, and Teens on Phone Use in Class

As lawmakers consider phone bans for students, studies reveal that the majority of parents support some level of restrictions.

A Pew Research Center survey of parents with children in K-12 education found that 65% are in favor of banning phones during class for middle and high school students. However, only 36% support a complete ban throughout the school day.

Among educators, concerns about phone use vary across grade levels. A Pew survey conducted last year found that 72% of high school teachers and 33% of middle school teachers believe smartphones significantly distract students.

Despite the different levels of concern expressed by legislators, parents, and teachers, most teenagers perceive phones as either helpful or non-influential in their learning. Nearly one-third of teens surveyed by Pew in 2024 indicated that smartphones do not negatively impact their academic success, while 45% believe phones make it easier to perform well in school. Conversely, almost a quarter of teens reported that phones complicate their learning experience.

Contributors: Minnah Arshad and Anthony Robledo, YSL News

Chris McKenna reports on government and politics for The Journal News.