New York City schools will continue enforcing cellphone restrictions aimed at reducing classroom distractions and improving student learning. The Distraction-Free Schools Law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2025, restricts students from using personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. The law applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Critics argue that the law does not address the underlying causes of students' mental health challenges. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has criticized the policy, arguing that schools are receiving funding for cellphone storage systems instead of additional social workers, counselors, and psychologists. As of July 2026, 44 states had adopted policies governing student cellphone use in K–12 schools.