New York Rolls Out Digital Guide to District Phone-Free Rules

cyndidyoder83, Pixabay

Find Out Your Local School Phone Policies This Year

A new statewide ban on smartphones and certain electronics in K–12 schools has taken effect across New York at the start of the new school year, with more than 1,000 school districts updating their policies to limit device use during school hours. Governor Hochul emphasized that reducing smartphone distractions is key to improving student focus and academic success, and unveiled an online resource for parents and students to review their district’s plan at ny.gov/phonefree. Districts seem to be taking varied approaches to enforcement, some requiring devices to be stored in lockers while others are opting to use designated holders, with exceptions for specific needs and emergency situations. This seems to mark a significant shift toward creating more phone-free learning environments across the state.

More from Capital Region

Latest Posts

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Events

  • Freedom Park Concert Series

    The 2025 Freedom Park Summer Concert Series is back with live music all summer! Located across the street from Collins Park and right next to Jumpin’ Jack’s in ...

    at Freedom Park
  • Troy Pig Out

    Get Ready to Pig Out in Downtown Troy! The grills are fired up and the competition is fierce this Sunday, August 17th at 12p get ready to explore Downtown Troy!...

    at Downtown Troy
  • Capital All-Star Community Youth Weekend

    Join us for the 2nd Annual Capital All-Star Community Youth Weekend will be happening next weekend, August 23rd and 24th in Albany at Lincoln Park thanks to Sec...

    at Lincoln Park

What's Happening

96.3 FM
Online
Mobile
Alexa