BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – New York leaders are telling students to leave their phones at home.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced her push to restrict the use of phones in kindergarten through twelfth-grade classrooms.
The effort is part of her 2026 budget plan announced this week.
The move comes in part from school listening sessions she held across the Empire State.
The plan would force students to disconnect from their phones at school, in class, during lunch, and in the hallways.
“Kids are being besieged with addictive algorithms, toxic social media, and cell phones, it just can be so manipulative that becomes addictive, like a drug. And these young people – I’ve heard them, I just talked to some more – they’re calling for help,” said Gov. Hochul.
To take effect, the plan would require approval from the legislature.
If it passes, it takes effect in the next academic year.
At least 8 states have enacted measures banning or restricting cell phones in schools.