A big change is coming to schools in New York, and not everyone is happy about it. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, students in K-12 schools across the state may no longer be allowed to use their phones during school hours — from the first bell to the last.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul made this announcement as part of the new state budget, saying the goal is to improve mental health and help students focus better in class. But many high school students in Queens say they think the idea is outdated and won’t work well in real life.
What Is the Phone Ban All About?
Under this new rule, students will not be allowed to use mobile phones during school hours. Each school will be allowed to create its own plan for how to store the phones. Schools must also work with parents to make sure families can still reach their children in emergencies.
Governor Hochul believes phones are one of the reasons students are getting distracted in class and struggling with mental health problems. The ban, she says, will help students stay focused on learning.
Students Are Not Happy About It
Many students have already started speaking out. Jenn, a student at Forest Hills High School, laughed when asked about the new rule and said, “Good luck with that.”
John, a student from Richmond Hill High School, also disagreed. “It’s not the nineties anymore. We need our phones,” he said. “What if there’s an emergency?”
Another student at the bus stop, who called himself MC, raised safety concerns. “What if there’s a school shooter and the teacher can’t reach their phone? Shouldn’t we be able to call for help ourselves?”
John added that times have changed. “Mass shootings and bomb threats didn’t happen much back then. We need phones for our own safety.”
Some Say the Ban Is Not the Right Answer
Isabella, a student from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, said the ban is “silly.” She believes students should be encouraged to stay off their phones rather than being forced.
“Give us reasons to keep phones away — like rewards or fun activities — instead of just banning them,” she said. “The solution shouldn’t be so extreme.”
She also pointed out that while phones can be distracting, the main goal should be about safety and smart use, not a complete ban.
Not All Students Oppose the Rule
Some students agree with the idea. Emily Algredo, a student at Forest Hills High School, said she supports the ban.
“Phones are a major distraction. They stop us from paying attention in class,” she said. “They also lead to problems like cyberbullying and cheating.”
Phones Are Also a Lifeline for Some
Jessica Lopez, a high school senior from Jamaica, said she understands the issue but still needs her phone nearby.
“I don’t even take it out during class. I keep it on silent. But I have to be able to check if my mom or brother needs me,” she said.
Jessica takes care of her younger brother, who has special needs, while her mom works full-time. She also pointed out that she is the only person in her family who speaks English, so calling the school instead wouldn’t help.
“Isn’t that more distracting for teachers anyway?” she asked.
Other Students Are Just Hearing About the Rule
Some students didn’t even know about the ban. Jenn joked, “What if I just say I don’t have a phone? Then they can’t take anything.”
She also raised a good point about how the rule could create chaos. “Imagine three thousand kids all lining up at the same time to collect their phones. It’ll be a total mess.”
The new phone ban has sparked mixed reactions from students in New York. While the government sees it as a way to protect mental health and improve learning, many students see it as an outdated idea that doesn’t consider safety and daily life. Phones are no longer just for chatting or scrolling — they are lifelines, especially for students who help care for their families. As schools prepare for this big change, finding the right balance between focus and freedom will be key.
