City authorities enact strict new policy forbidding the use of cell phones in schools during the upcoming academic year
New York City has announced a comprehensive cell phone ban policy that will take effect for the 2025-26 school year. The policy, which aligns with the state mandate, expands the existing ban to include internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches [1][2][3].
Key Exemptions and Implementation Strategies
The policy has key exemptions for students who need devices for medical reasons, those requiring devices for instructional purposes, and students with devices included in their Individual Education Program (IEP) plans [1][2].
Schools are required to provide at least one secure method for families to contact students during emergencies and a secure way to store devices while they are turned off and not in use throughout the day [1][2]. Schools must also inform families and staff annually about the school's specific device policy [1][2].
Emergency Contact and Device Storage
Students may use these devices while commuting to and from school but must shut them down during school hours [1]. The policy aims to reduce distractions, improve concentration, and address mental health pressures associated with excessive device use [1][2][4].
Budget Allocation and Stakeholder Engagement
The city has allocated $25 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to support the implementation of the new policy across all schools [4]. The policy's development involved extensive engagement with stakeholders including teachers, unions, school safety officers, and students to balance learning needs with safety concerns [3][4].
Background and Rationale
The new legislation is in response to a state report titled "More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools." The report highlights how heightened phone use, particularly at school, can damage attention span, information retention, and energy level [5].
Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos expressed gratitude to all partners for their hard work in moving the policy forward. Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced the new policy on Wednesday [6].
Exceptions to the Policy
The updated Chancellor's Regulations include exceptions to the cell phone ban policy for students who require devices for medical purposes, have an exception in their Individual Education Program, are responsible for the care of a family member, or if a device is authorized for a specific educational purpose [7].
The Panel for Educational Policy has passed the new citywide policy. A roundtable with students, administrators, and teachers was held earlier this month to discuss the best ways to implement the new law in schools [8].
[1] New York City Department of Education
[2] Chancellor's Regulations A-820
[3] Governor Kathy Hochul
[4] New York City Mayor's Office
[5] New York State Education Department
[6] New York Daily News
[7] New York Post
[8] Chalkbeat New York
- The new policy on cell phone bans in New York City schools, which aligns with state mandates and expands the existing ban, also includes provisions for education and self-development by exempting students who need devices for instructional purposes, medical reasons, or as part of their Individual Education Program (IEP) plans.
- The policy and legislation regarding cell phone bans in New York City schools, which aims to reduce distractions and improve concentration, has received support from various stakeholders, including teachers, unions, school safety officers, and students, and has resulted in policy and general news headlines following its announcement by Mayor Eric Adams and Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.
