Starting in the 2025-26 school year, New York becomes the largest state to implement comprehensive bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions in all K-12 schools.
This isn't about being anti-technology—it's about being pro-childhood.
"We’re giving our kids 7 Hours to Be Kids Again”
A bell-to-bell policy is the only genuine solution to this crisis. It creates a consistent, distraction-free environment where students can focus on learning, develop crucial social skills through face-to-face interaction, and get a much-needed break from the pressures of social media.
Many schools in New York have already implemented bell-to-bell policies and report incredible results:
- 44% decrease in behavioral referrals
- 43-46% reduction in bullying
- 75% decrease in discipline referrals
- 38% drop in chronic absenteeism
- 91% increase in engagement
- Notable increase in academic success
About the Disconnected Initiative
A Movement for Students, Driven by Educators
New York’s educators saw the problem in our classrooms and heard the concerns from parents. In 2024, we started convening experts, rallying partners, and pushing for this common-sense law because we believe in creating the best possible learning environments for every student.
In May of 2025, this hard work paid off with the passage of the bell-to-bell policy.
