irl>>>
Being Present Pays Off
New York Schools Go Phone-Free
This year, New York became the biggest state to pass a law requiring all K-12 public schools to create phone-free learning environments.
Additional Resources
For families and educators
What’s changing?
This fall, a new law goes into effect in New York State schools: students K-12 need to put away their phones for the entire school day – from the first bell to the last bell. This includes class time, lunch, and study periods.
Why the change?
Research shows that when phones are away during the school day, students and teachers experience:
- Better mental health and less anxiety
- Improved focus and concentration in class
- More meaningful face-to-face conversations with friends
- Stronger social connections
For parents
This policy helps create a learning environment where your child can focus on academics and build real relationships without digital distractions.
For students
While it might feel like a big adjustment at first, many students in phone-free schools report feeling less stressed about social media and more connected to their classmates.
Our Partners
