New York City Schools to Ban Cellphones During School Day

A distraction-free classroom environment promotes better learning.

News Summary

New York City public schools will enforce a ban on cellphones and internet-enabled devices during school hours starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative, announced by city officials, aims to minimize distractions and enhance mental health for students. While personal devices will still be allowed in schools, they must be turned off and stored away. Exceptions exist for medical needs and caregiving. The implementation will be supported by state law and a budget allocation of $25 million to schools for compliance.

New York City public schools will implement a new policy prohibiting the use of cellphones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The announcement was made by Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who emphasize that this initiative is aimed at reducing distractions and promoting better mental health for students.

The policy follows new statewide requirements under a law mandating that school districts develop similar restrictions by August 1, 2025. The ban is designed to encompass all personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Students will still be allowed to bring these devices to school, but they must turn them off and securely store them away during school hours.

The implementation of the policy was approved by the city’s Panel for Educational Policy. Schools will be responsible for providing adequate storage solutions for students’ devices and establishing a protocol for families to contact their children in case of emergencies.

Exceptions to the ban will be made for specific circumstances. Students may use devices for medical purposes, caregiving responsibilities, language translation, or as outlined in their special education plans. Furthermore, schools may permit the use of simple cellphones without internet capabilities, along with school-issued devices for educational purposes. Principals will hold the authority to allow device use for educational needs when deemed necessary.

The NYC Department of Education has allocated $25 million to aid in the policy’s implementation across schools, ensuring they have the resources needed to comply. Each school will also be required to draft its own written policies regarding electronic device use, which must be posted before the first day of the 2025-2026 school year.

The Distraction-Free Schools law at the state level supports the city’s initiative by reinforcing the need for a focused learning environment. Part of this effort includes a method for parents to contact their children directly during school hours, fostering a connection while adhering to the new guidelines.

Students who violate the device policy will face a system of progressive discipline; however, the city has stated that suspensions will not be enacted solely for the unauthorized access of prohibited devices. The enforcement of these policies will involve clear communication with parents regarding any confiscations that occur due to violations.

The detail-rich policy rollout will vary from school to school, with each principal determining how specific storage protocols for internet-enabled devices will be managed during the school day. This individualized approach aims to tailor the regulations to fit the unique environments of different schools while adhering to citywide guidelines.

The overarching goal of this new policy is to create a structured educational atmosphere where distractions from personal technology are minimized, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and improve their overall mental health and well-being. As schools prepare for the transition, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the effects of this device ban on student performance and engagement throughout the upcoming academic years.