About 20% of New York Schools Yet to Submit Cellphone Ban Plans
NEW YORK – Approximately 200 schools across New York State have missed the deadline to submit their plans for implementing the statewide classroom cellphone ban, which is set to go into effect this fall.
According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, just over 900 out of roughly 1,100 required plans from public schools, charter schools, and BOCES had been submitted by Tuesday afternoon—around 81% of the total. The submission deadline was last Friday through a portal operated by the State Education Department.
“Plans are currently being reviewed,” said Hochul’s spokesperson, Emma Wallner, in a statement. “Our team is providing the resources and support that districts need to submit their plans and prepare for students’ return to the classroom.”
The state policy, passed as part of the latest budget, will enforce a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones and internet-connected devices in classrooms. Each district must detail how students will store their devices during school hours and ensure compliance when school resumes in September.
State Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer emphasized the importance of the ban, calling it a “game-changer.” She added, “Parents and students should know—come September, you won’t be able to access your phone, smartwatch, or any device that lets you browse social media while in class.”
Exceptions will apply to students with medical needs or those serving as caregivers.
Though the law does not specify penalties for schools that fail to submit a plan on time, lawmakers remain confident that most districts will comply. Mayer expressed no major concerns, saying most districts and educators support the policy’s goals.
The legislation was signed into law on May 9, when Governor Hochul approved the delayed state budget. However, the Education Department did not release implementation guidelines until early July—leaving schools with only about a month to gather feedback from parents, teachers, and students during the summer break.
Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto acknowledged that the timeline was tight. “It may have been better to push the deadline to October 1,” he said. “Summer is not ideal for school planning.”
Despite the challenges, many education leaders support the ban but acknowledge that enforcing it may not be easy. Bob Lowry, Deputy Director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, said he is confident districts will meet the requirements. Some superintendents have scheduled school board meetings for later in August to approve final plans.
“There were districts that said, ‘Our next meeting is August 12, and we’ll adopt a policy then,’” Lowry explained. Others, he said, were confused about the submission process or thought it wasn’t necessary if they weren’t requesting state funding.
The state has allocated $13.5 million in the budget to help schools implement the ban. The funding may be used to purchase secure storage solutions like lockable pouches or lockers, train staff, and conduct outreach to students and families. Schools will automatically receive aid based on the number of students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.
Importantly, students cannot be suspended for violating the policy. However, each school is required to publish an annual report detailing the number of students disciplined for violations and whether there are any disparities in enforcement.
