The city’s Panel for Education Policy approved the new rule on Wednesday night with a 14-1 vote. Each of the city’s 1,600 public schools will determine how to implement it.
Implementation of New Rule
Following the voting, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said, “I am proud to be introducing a policy that takes input from unions and advocacy groups, families, community members, and our students into account.”
The new rule follows a push by Governor Kathy Hochul to ban phones and other devices in schools. Students can still use them while commuting, but not during school hours.
Exceptions will be made for students who need to use devices for medical reasons, like monitoring insulin, or for those who are responsible for caring for a family member. Teachers may also let students use phones for specific classwork.
Each school can set its plan for how students store their devices during the day. Some may use special magnetic pouches that cost about $30 each.
The city is spending $25 million to help schools set up the new policy.
Support from Mayor Adams
Mayor Eric Adams called the policy another step toward improving learning. “The state cell phone ban was the first step in putting our kids back on track to learn and thrive in safe, nurturing environments, and this new cell phone policy is the next step in ensuring students are given the best shot to succeed in school,” the Mayor said.
Focus on Equity
Meanwhile, the Schools Chancellor mentioned that students won’t be suspended right away if they don’t follow the rule. “We want to make sure equity is the heart of it,” she told the panel.
