Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside Common Sense Media, has announced support for a proposal aimed at creating distraction-free schools in New York. The proposal, known as the “Bell to Bell” plan, calls for restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled devices throughout the school day. This initiative is backed by Common Sense Media’s network of 80,000 parents, children, and educators across the state.
In a letter sent to state legislators, the organization urges the Governor to support this measure. The letter emphasizes the importance of enacting the Governor’s full proposal to limit distractions in schools, ensuring that students focus on their learning without the interference of digital devices.
This announcement follows a roundtable discussion held by the Governor with New York moms, educators, and children during Common Sense Media’s Day of Action. As part of the initiative, representatives from the organization will meet with legislators to advocate for this proposal and other measures. These include banning AI-generated sexually abusive material and regulating AI companion services that may contribute to self-harm among youth.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of eliminating digital distractions in schools, stating, “Constant digital distractions throughout the school day are hurting our children — students should be learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.” She continued, “Experts and advocates agree that a comprehensive plan for distraction-free schools will ensure the best outcomes, and I will never stop fighting to protect our children.”
James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, echoed this sentiment, noting, “The evidence is clear: smartphones in classrooms disrupt learning. Governor Hochul’s proposal is designed to support students’ mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. The goal isn’t to eliminate technology, but to create spaces where students can engage in learning while developing healthy digital habits.”
The proposal has gained widespread support from various groups, including elected officials, labor leaders, school administrators, parents, and law enforcement.
Key points of Governor Hochul’s proposal include:
- A ban on the unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools during the entire school day, including class, lunch, and study hall.
- Flexibility for schools to create their own storage solutions for smartphones during the school day.
- $13.5 million in funding for schools that need help purchasing storage solutions to implement the distraction-free plan.
- A requirement for schools to provide parents with a way to contact their children if necessary.
- Exemptions for students who need a phone for medical reasons, academic purposes, or as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Schools must track and report the enforcement of the policy and any disparities.
The Governor’s proposal is set to be implemented in the 2025-26 academic year and will apply to all public schools, charter schools, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in New York. This initiative is aimed at fostering a more focused and productive learning environment for students across the state.
