Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NYC public schools to ban student phone use during school day
By
Phil Corso
Published Jul 23, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images
By
Phil Corso
Published Jul 23, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New York City public school students won’t be allowed to use their phones or smartwatches during the school day this fall under a new citywide policy announced Wednesday.
Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said the rule aims to limit distractions and protect students’ mental health. It aligns with a new state law and was approved by the city’s Panel for Educational Policy, officials said.
The updated policy applies to all personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, City Hall said. Students can still bring devices to school, but they must be turned off and stored during the day, according to a press release.
Exceptions will be made for students who need a device for medical reasons, caregiving responsibilities, language translation or if it’s included in their special education plan, city officials said.
The city has budgeted $25 million to help schools roll out the policy, which includes providing secure storage options and systems for families to reach their children in emergencies.
“We will finally reduce distractions as we help our students reach their full potential,” Adams said in a statement.
The policy comes after months of input from families, educators and community groups, according to the education department.
Tagged
education
new york city
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Dump truck driver hits and kills cyclist on 34th Street in Midtown, NYPD says
It's the latest in a string of hit-and-run deaths in the city in recent months.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Sep 28, 2026 at 4:15 p.m. ET
New ingredient mandated for Latin American kitchen, restaurant plates in NJ
The Garden State now requires that corn masa dough and flour made and sold in the state be fortified with folic acid.
By
Arya Sundaram
News
New ingredient mandated for Latin American kitchen, restaurant plates in NJ
The Garden State now requires that corn masa dough and flour made and sold in the state be fortified with folic acid.
By
Arya Sundaram
A Brooklyn jail cell filled with smoke. The emergency button failed, a lawyer said.
By
Samantha Max
Crews launch tunnel machines to dig first new Hudson River rail tunnels since 1910
By
Michael Sol Warren
NYC nor’easter dries up after weather service reports minor flooding
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .