New York’s school cellphone ban earned top marks on a new state survey of school principals.
Roughly 83% of schools reported “more positive classroom environments” and “better student engagement” since prohibiting phones and other internet-enabled devices in the fall, according to a governor’s office poll of 350 principals released Monday.
The questionnaire, distributed last month, was not conducted as an independent research study, but offers a first glimpse at how the policy is faring statewide.
“Our kids are finding greater success in the classroom when they’re focused on learning, not scrolling,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement.
“This year, I was proud to champion a statewide distraction-free schools initiative, working hand-in-hand with New York teachers, students, and parents…,” the statement continued. “These survey results are indicative of that effort, illustrating the effectiveness of our tailored approach to phone-free schools.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul highlights distraction-free schooling by showing students new Yondr cell phone pouches at M.S. 582, The Magnet School for Multimedia Technology and Urban Planning, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Susan Watts / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
Three-quarters of schools reported the phone ban has improved their ability to teach effectively, according to the results. The vast majority of school administrators, 92%, reported a “smooth transition” during the first few months of the school year.
The survey results also included written feedback from schools.
A principal in New York City wrote that conversations between students had “increased considerably,” and that children during recess are “much more engaged” and playing games together.
“We also hear increased laughter!” said Noreen Mills, principal of M.S. 442 Carroll Gardens School for Innovation in Brooklyn.
New York’s student cellphone ban, signed into law last spring, prohibits their use from the morning bell until school dismissal while on premises. The regulation was adopted amid growing recognition of the harms social media may have on young people’s mental health, social skills and ability to focus in the classroom.
Local school districts were permitted to come up with their own policies. In New York City, schools have made use of phone pouches and other storage systems to separate children from their devices.
In interviews, local teachers, parents and even some students have described a transitional period that, while not immune to some disobedience, has ushered in a positive culture shift in their schools.
Thirty-two states and Washington D.C. require school districts to ban or restrict student phone-use in schools, according to an Education Week tracker. New Jersey is reportedly eyeing a similar measure in the coming weeks.