Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, New York City public schools will undergo a major change: a statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban that aims to curb device use during the school day. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, the policy is designed to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus, and address growing concerns about the effects of screen time on youth mental health.
What the Ban Includes
Under the new regulations, students across the state will be prohibited from using internet-connected devices—including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches—from the start of the school day until dismissal. This includes not only classroom time but also lunch breaks, hallway transitions, and other non-instructional periods. The idea is to keep students more engaged in face-to-face interaction and learning while at school.
How NYC Will Enforce It
While the ban itself is statewide, local school districts—including New York City’s Department of Education—will be responsible for implementing it. Schools have some flexibility in deciding how to store students’ devices during the day. Options may include personal lockers, lockable pouches, or centralized storage units managed by school staff.
Governor Hochul’s budget includes $13.5 million to help schools with these logistics, amounting to about $10 per student. However, NYC Schools Chancellor David C. Banks has indicated that the allocated amount might not be sufficient—especially when magnetic locking pouches can cost nearly three times as much per student. The city may need to contribute additional funding or explore cost-effective alternatives to ensure smooth enforcement.
Exemptions and Special Cases
The ban does allow for some exceptions. Students who need their devices for medical reasons—such as managing diabetes—or those requiring translation support, will still be permitted to use them with proper documentation. Teachers may also authorize use of devices for specific educational purposes as part of classroom instruction.
In addition, all schools will be required to establish systems that allow parents to reach their children during emergencies. This may include direct school contact lines or alternative messaging systems to avoid reliance on students’ personal phones.
Public Reactions
The policy has sparked a range of opinions among educators, parents, and students. A recent survey by the United Federation of Teachers revealed that about two-thirds of NYC educators support a citywide cellphone restriction. Many teachers say they’re overwhelmed by the challenge of keeping students focused in an age of constant digital distraction.
Parents, however, are more divided. While some welcome the effort to reduce screen time and boost academic engagement, others are concerned about safety and communication. Many worry about being unable to reach their children directly during emergencies, such as lockdowns or severe weather events. The new policy attempts to address these fears with required school-based communication protocols, but skepticism remains.
Legislative Pushback and Modifications
Although the policy enjoys support from the governor’s office, some state lawmakers have voiced concerns. Critics argue that the ban should allow for more district-level discretion. They advocate for rules that let students use their phones during lunch or free periods, rather than enforcing a strict daylong ban. Others warn against harsh penalties like suspensions for students who break the rules, emphasizing the need for balanced enforcement.
What Happens Next
All school districts are required to finalize and publish their cellphone policies by August 1, 2025. These guidelines must include enforcement plans, storage methods, exception criteria, and parent communication systems. As the deadline approaches, NYC’s Department of Education will be working closely with principals, teachers, and community members to develop an implementation strategy that balances discipline with flexibility.
The coming school year will be a testing ground for this bold new approach. Whether it improves student learning and well-being or creates more complications remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the way students in New York City use technology in schools is about to change dramatically.
