NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced new survey results showing that her nation-leading distraction-free schools law is already having a transformative impact for students and teachers at schools throughout New York State.
The Governor’s Office distributed the survey in November and received over 350 responses from school administrators statewide who implemented bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions following Hochul’s distraction-free schools law.
“Our kids are finding greater success in the classroom when they’re focused on learning, not scrolling,” Hochul said in a news release. “This year, I was proud to champion a statewide distraction-free schools initiative, working hand-in-hand with New York teachers, students, and parents to create a policy that works for each community across our state.”
“These survey results are indicative of that effort, illustrating the effectiveness of our tailored approach to phone-free schools, and offer a glimpse of the success to come for our students,” she continued.
Survey results from schools across the state include:
– 92 Percent reported that their transition to a distraction-free policy went smoothly.
“It was a seamless transition,” a principal in Central New York said. “We have had zero issues with students trying to use their phones in school. The communication from the state first was great, and my district and school followed up. There was no pushback at all.”
– 83 percent reported that their schools are experiencing more positive classroom environments and better student engagement since implementing a distraction-free policy.
“This has been a game changer,” an assistant superintendent in the Southern Tier said. “Students have their heads up and not down looking at their phones. Students are having conversations with each other! I observe in a lot of classrooms and there is a noticeable difference in student engagement.”
– 75 percent reported that implementing a distraction-free policy is improving their ability to teach effectively.
“This policy has had a positive impact on students. Their interpersonal skills and attentiveness in class are improving,” a principal in the Mohawk Valley said.
After recognizing the necessity of ensuring safe and productive learning environments for students and educators Hochul advanced legislation to create a statewide standard for distraction-free school environments and secured its passage in the FY2026 budget. New York is now the most populous state in the U.S. with a statewide, bell-to-bell restriction.
