Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday detailed the results of a statewide end-of-year survey on New York’s school smartphone ban, now in effect for a full academic year. The law prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds throughout K-12 schools for the entire school day—including lunch, recess, homeroom, study halls, and open periods.
The survey received 585 responses from teachers and school administrators across all grade levels in New York state. Forty-seven percent of respondents are from New York City, while 53% come from the rest of the state. Hochul reported that 80% of educators noted students behaving better, engaging more actively, collaborating effectively, and demonstrating improved focus. Specifically, 311 schools observed heightened participation in class discussions, 282 recorded enhanced peer collaboration, and 273 indicated stronger assignment focus. Additionally, 60% of respondents reported reduced bullying and cyberbullying incidents.
“Students are now able to interact with each other without the distractions that come with smartphones,” Hochul stated. “They’re acting like kids again, feeling that burden lifted from their shoulders.”
Ziad Attia, a senior at Blind Brook High School, shared: “Social interaction between students, especially in the hallways and at lunch, has increased significantly.” He explained that while schools require phones to be stored in lockers, as long as they are out of sight, students feel comfortable.
However, Guy Golan, a junior at Blind Brook High School, expressed concerns about enforcement: “Students will find ways to use their phones regardless of who is telling them not to,” he said. “Administrators rather than teachers are the ones doing most of the enforcing.” Golan added that he has witnessed students using phones secretly in bathrooms or corners.
Hochul’s office noted that as of spring, at least 38 states and the District of Columbia require school districts to ban or restrict students’ use of cell phones in schools.
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