Cell Phone Policy

"New York was the first state to target addictive social media feeds — and now we’re the largest state to restrict smartphones in schools throughout the entire school day"

- Governor Kathy Hochul

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York is becoming the largest state in the nation to require statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. The Governor secured this landmark victory as part of the agreement on the FY 2026 NY State Budget. Following this agreement and enactment of the FY 2026 State Budget, this distraction-free schools policy will take effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Click here and read more about Gov. Hochul’s announcement

 

As Middletown prepares for the 2025–2026 school year, we want to reaffirm our commitment to creating focused, welcoming, and safe learning spaces. A key part of that commitment is maintaining cell phone-free school environments that support student well-being and minimize distractions. This practice—now reinforced by new New York State Education Department legislation—aligns with what we already know: that less screen time during the day means more engagement, stronger peer connections, and better learning outcomes

Read Middletown Superintendent Creeden’s message to the school community about the 2025-26 school year.

See the Middletown school district’s policy regarding students and personal electronic devices, as set by the Board of Education.