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Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to limit distractions in the classroom with a proposed statewide ban on cellphones in New York schools. 

If adopted, the ban would take effect at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. School districts would be tasked with determining how devices should be stored during school hours. 

Hochul's $252 billion budget plan includes $13.5 million that would help school districts implement the cellphone ban. 

The proposed cellphone ban is the product of roundtables Hochul held with administrators, educators, parents and students. She announced her intent to pursue the ban in May 2024. 

During her budget presentation Tuesday, Hochul cited a that found 72% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction is a major problem in their classrooms. 

According to the poll, most teachers say their schools have cellphone policies. But they find it difficult to enforce those rules, especially in high school. 

Hochul acknowledged that cellphones in schools pose a "complicated challenge." She believes her proposal will return classrooms "to a place of learning." 

The ban would require students to disconnect from their devices during school hours — from bell to bell, according to Hochul. 

"Our kids will finally be free from the endless disruptions of social media and all the mental health pressures that come from it," she said. 

There would be exceptions for students with learning disabilities or medical needs. Non-English language speakers would be permitted to use devices for assistance. 

Some districts have adopted cellphone policies, but not necessarily bans on their use during school hours. 

The Auburn Enlarged City School District updated its cellphone policy in 2023. While students are allowed to bring cellphones to school, the use of the devices during school hours is prohibited. There are exceptions that would allow students to use cellphones and other electronic devices during class if authorized by a teacher. 

Education Week that 19 states either have school cellphone bans in place or recommend local districts impose their own restrictions.