Following the lead of several New York school districts, Governor Hochul has introduced legislation to restrict smartphone use in New York schools.

As smartphone use has become more prevalent in our daily lives, it has also become a big distraction in many settings.

From workplace interruptions to dining alerts in social settings, we are all so attached to our phones they can get in the way of productivity.

These smartphone interruptions are especially challenging in a classroom setting for New York teachers.

Over the past year, many local municipalities here in the Capital Region have enacted smartphone bans or restrictions, and now the state is stepping in to launch a statewide template for New York schools to limit smartphone use.

Governor Hochul Announces Plan To Limit Smartphone Use In NY Schools

As part of the 2026 New York Budget Proposal, New York Governor Hochul revealed a plan today to restrict smartphone use at New York schools statewide. The main points of the plan from the Governor's office include:

No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods."

Governor Hochul says "From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling."

The plan will let local districts determine the best way to store phones during the day and will provide $13.5 million in funding for storage options.

Schools must also give parents a way to reach their children while in school and students can still carry simple/internet-free cell phones.

If passed the new legislation would be in effect for the 2025-26 school year and would apply to all public schools, charter schools, and oards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

See The Capital Region Schools Enacting New Cell Phone Bans

The list of Capital Region schools that have enacted new policies limiting the use of smartphones and personal electronic devices for the upcoming 2024-25 school year continues to grow as we head into fall. The list below from News 10, includes the local schools, along with the policy each is enacting to help put the focus back on education in the classroom.

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

Upstate New York's 20 Best Places To Live [RANKED]

Money Inc. has dug in and determined the 20 best places to live in Upstate New York based on the most important factors that lead to a high quality of life. From Buffalo to Rochester to the Finger Lakes and the Greater Capital Region - you will find many of the communities you know and love represented on this list based on all they have to offer. Factors like affordable cost of living, great employment opportunities, and just fun stuff to do all contributed to the best of the best Upstate!

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

 

 

 

 

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