NYC Schools To Ban Cellphone Use During School Day: What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — New York City schools will adopt an updated cellphone ban policy this September, according to Mayor Eric Adams and Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.

Beginning for the 2025-2026 school year, cellphones and electronic devices can not be used during the school day and must be turned off and put away. They will be stored until the end of the day.

Schools are required to provide at least one method for families to contact their children in case of an emergency.

The new policy will be in effect for 1,800 public schools citywide.

"Our kids are in school to learn, but, too often, cell phones are used in manners that are distracting, degrading, and dangerous to our young people," Mayor Adams said in a statement. "The state cellphone ban was the first step in putting our kids back on track to learn and thrive in safe, nurturing environments, and this new cellphone policy is the next step in ensuring students are given the best shot to succeed in school."

Around $4.3 million of state funds are being used to help implement the policy.

The policy will include exceptions for students with disabilities and medical reasons, among others.

How phones will be collected and stored during the day will be up to individual school principals, officials said.