Under the updated policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, students are not permitted to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day. This includes devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and portable music and entertainment systems.

Overview

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, in accordance with New York State law,(Open external link) New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is updating its policy regarding the use of internet-enabled electronic devices—including cell phones—in school. This change supports the State's intent to create distraction-free schools(Open external link) and aims to ensure safe and focused learning environments across all NYCPS schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new policy? Is this a "cell phone ban"?

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students will not be able to use personal internet-enabled electronic devices on school grounds during the school day absent an approved exception. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones.

What is a "personal internet-enabled electronic device"?

A personal internet-enabled device is any electronic device not issued by a school or NYCPS program that can connect to the internet, allowing the user to access content online. Examples of these personal devices include:

Communication Devices, such as cell phones, smartphones, and smartwatches.
Computing Devices, such as laptops, tablets, and iPads.
Portable music and entertainment systems, such as MP3 players and game consoles.

Does this apply to school-issued devices? What if my child needs to use a device to participate in classroom activities?

The policy does not restrict the use of school-issued devices, such as laptops and Chromebooks, for their intended purpose. Students will continue to be able to use their NYCPS-issued devices for classwork and other in-school assignments.

In some schools, students may be allowed to use their personal electronic devices for educational activities only when specifically directed by teachers and authorized by the principal/designee; please consult your school's device policy for specific details.

How is the "school day" defined under this policy? Does it include afterschool activities?

This policy applies from "bell to bell," which means students are not permitted to use their personal devices throughout the entire school day. The "school day" covers all instructional and non-instructional time, including homeroom periods, lunch, recess, and study hall sessions.

The policy does not explicitly cover afterschool activities. However, it is important to note that individual schools may choose to further restrict device usage on school grounds outside official school hours.

How are "school grounds" defined?

"School grounds" means in, on, or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property of a school.

Will all NYC public schools implement this policy in the same way?

Each school will develop its own written policy regarding the use of electronic devices consistent with the Chancellor's Regulation. These rules will be communicated to parents and students at the beginning of the school year or upon enrollment. School leadership at schools that share a single campus will coordinate to develop shared policies to be followed by all schools on that campus.

Parents should review these policies carefully and ensure their child understands the specific rules and procedures concerning personal electronic devices at their school, including where and how to store their devices securely.

Is my child allowed to bring their device to school? What will they do with it once the school day begins?

Yes, students are permitted to bring their devices to school, but they must be stored during the school day. Schools will not be able to make students store their devices at the start of each class period, as the regulation requires these devices to be stored throughout the entirety of the school day.

Schools will provide storage methods for students to store their devices during the school day. This may include school-assigned personal or shared lockers, individual cell phone pouches, or another secure storage system. Teachers will not be required to hold or distribute devices in the classroom.

Backpacks alone are not considered a sufficient storage option, unless they are kept in a closet or cubby that cannot be accessed by students without permission or if the devices themselves are stored inside of a special storage pouch that can be placed inside a backpack.

How will I be able to reach my child during the day, or in the event of an emergency?

Schools must provide at least one method for parents to contact their children during emergencies, including a direct phone number. If there is an emergency involving your child, and you have informed the principal or other school staff members about the specific nature of the emergency, your child will be allowed to use their device to contact you.

Furthermore, schools will establish procedures, such as providing students with access to a school phone line, that will allow students to make emergency calls when necessary. Parents should familiarize themselves with these contact methods and ensure they have the necessary contact information for their school.

In the event of an emergency at school, school staff members will contact students' families directly.

We strongly encourage all parents create a New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) and ensure that their contact information is up to date so that they can be easily reached by their school.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. Devices may be used:

For educational purposes, as directed by teachers and authorized by school leadership.
By students with medical conditions that require the use of electronic devices to monitor them, such as glucose monitors for diabetes. In this case, parents should inform the school and provide any necessary documentation to ensure proper authorization and usage.
For translation services, to assist students who need language support not currently provided by their school.
If required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
By student caregivers, on a case-by-case basis. A school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor will review and determine if exceptions may be granted for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member.
In individual emergency situations, when the parent has notified school leadership of the specific nature of the emergency.
Where otherwise required by the law. This includes situations where federal, state, or local laws mandate the use of such devices for specific purposes.

What happens if my child uses their device without permission during the school day?

If a student uses their device without permission during the school day, they may be subject to progressive discipline in accordance with their school's policies and the NYCPS Discipline Code. This means that the school will use a series of escalating interventions and consequences to address the behavior based on the nature and frequency of the violation. Examples of interventions include conferences with the student's parent, or, if the behavior is sufficiently disruptive, removal from the classroom.

Students who violate this policy may even have their unauthorized devices confiscated. In that event, affected families will be contacted by their school's principal, and devices will be returned in accordance with the school's policy.

Note that students cannot be suspended solely for accessing personal internet-enabled electronic devices in violation of school policy—however, repeated refusal to surrender or store a personal device may result in a suspension. Further, schools are not permitted to deduct from students grades for violating the cell phone policy in class.

Will families be responsible for the cost of storing devices?

No. Schools must provide at least one storage method for students, and will receive funding to implement their device policies for grades 3-12.

What happens if a student's device is stolen or damaged?

If a student reports an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, schools will:

Notify the family
File an incident report (sometimes called an "OORS Report")
Notify the New York City Police Department (NYPD) if theft or other criminal activity is suspected
Investigate the allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the NYCPS Discipline Code

Families may also file a claim with the New York City Comptroller's Office(Open external link).

Joann Mendez's profile