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Starting for the 2025-26 School Year: All schools in New York State will have student cellphone restrictions.
Why cellphones in schools have become such a problem
In schools, cellphones are almost as ubiquitous as backpacks, and that’s a problem. The constant use of personal electronics — not just phones, but earbuds, watches, and other distractions—are impacting our students’ ability to learn and are taking a severe toll on their mental health.
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75% of teachers say phones are #1 classroom problem -
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DOUBLE the risk of mental health issues (3+ hrs/day) -
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2.5x more likely to have suicidal thoughts (5+ hrs/day)
The Problem
Every day in schools with cellphones:
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Students miss lessons while scrolling
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Anxiety skyrockets between classes
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Real friendships fade behind screens
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Teachers fight a losing battle for attention
The numbers are staggering:
Since smartphones entered classrooms in 2012, we've seen unprecedented rises in teen depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. This isn't coincidence—it's crisis.
The Solution: Disconnect to Reconnect
"We’re giving our kids 7 Hours to Be Kids Again”
Starting Fall 2025: All New York schools will implement bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions.
What does this mean?
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Phones away from first bell to last bell
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Designated communication times for emergencies
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Each district creates their own storage solution
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Real learning, real friendships, real childhood returns
Learn More About The New Policy
The Proof
"Bell-to-Bell Policies Work. Period."
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Academic Wins
- Higher test scores
- More engaged students
- Faster work completion
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Mental Health Wins
- 44% fewer discipline issues
- 43-46% reduction in bullying
- Dramatic decrease in anxiety
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Social Wins
- Real conversations return
- Stronger friendships form
- Lunchrooms come alive
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7 Hours to Be Kids Again
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.
A Generation in Crisis
Why cellphones in schools have become such a problem.
In schools, cellphones are almost as ubiquitous as backpacks, and that’s a problem. The constant use of personal electronics — not just phones, but earbuds, watches, and other distractions—are impacting our students’ ability to learn and are taking a severe toll on their mental health.
Teens spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on social media, and research shows that more than three hours a day doubles the risk of poor mental health outcomes. This isn't just a distraction; it's a public health crisis affecting our children's ability to learn, connect, and thrive.
The facts are clear:
- 97% of students use phones during school hours
- 43 minutes of learning time lost daily to distractions
- 237+ notifications received daily (23% during school)
- DOUBLE the risk of mental health issues (3+ hrs/day)
- 2.5 x more likely to have suicidal thoughts (5+ hrs/day)
The Solution: Disconnect to Reconnect
"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.
