Jim Moore / August 19, 2025
New York has launched ny.gov/phonefree, a website where parents can check their school’s plan for the statewide smartphone restrictions starting this fall. The new law bans student smartphone use during the school day, with exceptions for medical and educational needs, while allowing basic phones and school-issued devices.
Parents across New York now have a new tool to help them prepare for the state’s upcoming classroom phone restrictions. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of ny.gov/phonefree, a website where families can look up their district’s or school’s plan for complying with the new law taking effect this fall.
The legislation, which applies to all public, charter, and BOCES schools, requires “bell-to-bell” restrictions on smartphones and other personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. That includes classrooms, study halls, and even lunch periods. While the statewide policy sets clear boundaries, local districts have the flexibility to decide how devices will be collected and stored. To support the rollout, the state is making $13.5 million in funding available for schools that need storage solutions.
According to the governor’s office, more than 96 percent of schools have already submitted their plans, with the remainder expected to finalize policies during upcoming board meetings. Each school’s approach must also include ways for parents to reach their children during the day and account for exceptions such as medical needs, learning accommodations, translation services, family caregiving, and emergencies. Students will still be permitted to carry basic phones without internet access and will continue using school-issued laptops or tablets for instructional purposes.
