What's happening
This bill prohibits students from using personal wireless communication devices on school property during the school day, with exceptions for instructional use and certain accommodations.
Why it matters
Redefines what counts as a "wireless communication device,". including not just cell phones but also smartwatches, gaming devices, and personal computers, which broadens the scope of what's restricted beyond typical phone bans.
Requires devices to be powered off and stored during the school day. (unless specifically approved for classroom use), which could significantly reduce student distractions, social media use, and unauthorized communications on campus.
Mandates progressive disciplinary actions for violations,. meaning repeat offenses will likely result in increasingly serious consequences, which could affect students' disciplinary records and school climate.
Allows exceptions for students with documented educational or medical needs,. ensuring that those with disabilities or health conditions can still use personal devices when necessary, but only with formal documentation or physician approval.
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Who cares
Students
The bill would bar students from accessing personal wireless devices on school property during the school day unless authorized for classroom use or covered by an exemption, with progressive consequences for violations.
School districts and educators
Schools would need to enforce device restrictions and prohibit students from accessing social media through district internet service unless expressly directed for class instruction.
New York State Education Department
The department would prescribe how students must store powered-off devices, with lockers and phone pouches listed as options.
Students with disabilities or medical needs
Students could use devices when included in an individualized education program or Section 504 plan, or when a licensed physician determines access is necessary for their health and well-being.
Headline styles
Limit Student Phone Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
140
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by Sen. HOYLMAN-SIGAL -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to restricting the use of wireless communication devices by students on school property
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2801-c to read as follows:
§ 2801-c. Wireless communication device use restricted. 1. For purposes of this section:
(a) "Wireless communication device" or "device" means any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties, including but not limited to a (i) cellular phone, (ii) computer, (iii) gaming device, or (iv) smart watch. "Device" does not include any technology provided by the school district for purposes of class instruction.
(b) "School day" shall mean every instructional day as required by subdivision seven of section thirty-six hundred four of this chapter.
(c) "Access" means the viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise use of a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, or any other function commonly associated with devices.
2. During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their device on school property, unless authorized for classroom use. Devices shall be powered off and stored in a manner prescribed by the department, including but not limited to storage in a student's locker or specified phone pouches.
3. If a student violates this section, the student will be subject to progressive consequences as prescribed by section twenty-eight hundred one of this article and any applicable local student code of conduct.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00752-01-5
4. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms through the use of internet access provided by the school district, except when expressly directed to for class instruction.
5. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a student from using a device if:
(a) the use of the device is included in the student's individual education program, or plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; or
(b) a licensed physician determines that the access of a device by the student is necessary for the health and well-being of the student.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to restricting the use of wireless communication devices by students on school property
Purpose
To provide students in New York State with a distraction-free school environment.
Summary of provisions
Section one adds a new section 2801-c to the education law. The new section defines wireless communication device and access. The section then prohibits the use of a device by students during the school day, directing devices to be powered off and properly stored. Students in violation of this section will face progressive consequences. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms through school district internet.
Section two is the effective date.
Justification
The proliferation of smartphones among children and young adults in our schools has compromised the quality of education across the state. Smartphones not only distract and disengage students from learning, but also import the documented mental health and social harms of social media into the classroom environment.
This bill would prohibit students from accessing all types of devices during the school day. Phones would need to be turned off and properly stored, allowing the students of New York State the ability to properly focus and engage in the classroom.
Legislative history
2023-24: S.9810 Referred to Education
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the first of July succeeding the date on which it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.