NEW DOE Policy: No Cell Phones, Less distraction!

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 personal 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.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul:

“Our kids are overwhelmed by the addictive algorithms and endless distractions. Ninety-five percent of teenagers have smartphones. They receive 250 notifications a day on average. They can't possibly focus on anything else. They're so afraid of missing something. I don't know how anyone could focus with that disruption.

We'll have no cellphones in a child's hand from the moment they enter school until they leave. No more memes instead of math. And so they're now going to be focused. And people say, “Why is this so important to you?” Because I think there should be laughter in the hallways again, I think there should be human voices that you hear in gym class. I want our kids to make eye to eye contact again. I want them to enjoy the experience of real human connection, not just through a screen.

And we want our teachers to feel liberated to teach again. That's what I want. I want the laughter, I want the teachers to do what they can do, I want the kids to be free.”

– Governor Kathy Hochul, 5/6/2025