\u201cThat means during class, at lunch, in the hallways, our kids will finally be free from the endless interruptions of social media and all the mental health pressures that come along with it,\u201d Hochul said at the time.<\/p>\n
Personal electronic devices that have been banned during the school day include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Cellphones<\/li>\n
- Smartphones<\/li>\n
- Smartwatches, and other similar communication devices<\/li>\n
- Laptops, tablets, iPads, and other similar computing devices<\/li>\n
- Portable music and entertainment systems like MP3 players and game consoles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The state policy clarifies that students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability. They also may use internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.<\/p>\n
There are some exceptions that allow students to carry their personal cellphones, such as: an authorization by the school principal for a specific educational purpose; when necessary to monitor a medical condition; for a student caregiver who is responsible for a family member; and where required by law. Devices may also be permitted where such use is included for students who have an IEP or 504 plan for medical or education purposes.<\/p>\n
Schools may also authorize student use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices in the event of an individual student emergency where the parent has notified the school of the nature of the emergency; and for translation and interpretation services if other means are unavailable.<\/p>\n
The state provided schools flexibility in how they implemented the ban, giving each school and district until August 1 to devise a plan by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.<\/p>\n
![\"Hochul](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/YOCAYDK7CFF5VH7E7I5Q6N65JU.jpg\")
May 6, 2025 – Latham, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul announces FY26 Budget Investments in Distraction-Free Schools. (Mike Groll\/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)Mike Groll\/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul<\/p>\nIn July, New York City announced that each public school in the city must establish its own written policy<\/a> regarding the use of electronic devices on school property to be in place by the first day of classes for the 2025-2026 academic year, with the policy posted on the school\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
A month later, the state launched a new website<\/a> for parents and students to look up their school\u2019s plan to implement the state cellphone ban before the start of the new school year.<\/p>\n
The website, ny.gov\/phonefree<\/a>, allows New Yorkers to search by district or school name to learn more about the rules at their children\u2019s schools.<\/p>\n
In New York City, schools must provide at least one method for storage of devices, which may include school storage lockers, assigned student lockers or other holders.<\/p>\n
Storage may vary depending on your individual school\u2019s policy.<\/p>\n
Some schools on Staten Island are using pouches that have velcro or locked closures, like Yondr pouches or Cyber Pouches. Such pouches are either stored in a student\u2019s backpack throughout the school day, or collected by school staff for storage each day.<\/p>\n
All policies include at least one method for parents to contact a student during the school day, such as a direct phone number to the school. You\u2019ll need to check with your school for more specific information pertaining to contacting your child if there is an emergency, such as calling the main number, or using an application that sends notifications, or other options.<\/p>\n
Students who use electronic devices are subject to progressive discipline in accordance with interventions and disciplinary responses in the city\u2019s Discipline Code. A student cannot be suspended on the sole grounds that the student accessed a device in violation of school policy.<\/p>\n
If a school confiscates a device for violation, the school will contact the student\u2019s parent.<\/p>\n
![\"Northview](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/D3MQEBQ3KBG73MNRKGQ4XY7AZE.jpg\")
A statewide schools cellphone ban took effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.c<\/p>\n
![\"nws](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/XO3K7QRDKJBC5LKCBRRZ6HLOIA.jpg\")
New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos (center) addresses the crowd at the Community Education Council 31 town hall at the Michael J. Petrides School in Sunnyside on Monday, Oct. 7 2025.Advance\/SILive.com | Mike Matteo<\/p>\n