Skip to main content
Smartphone/Personal Internet Enabled Device Policy » Policy For Cellphones and Other Personal Internet Enabled Devices

Policy For Cellphones and Other Personal Internet Enabled Devices

POLICY FOR SMARTPHONES & PERSONAL INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES 2025-2026


To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. This includes not only during classroom instruction, but also during lunch, free-periods, passing, and study hall. An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet.  Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems. 


Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until the end of the school day. The school day is defined as the period from the moment students enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, including during lunch. The school day starts at 8:20AM and ends at 2:40PM.  Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.


Procedure:

  • Upon entering the school building, all students will power off their devices and pick up a signal canceling pouch.  
  • Prior to entry, if students wish to use their cellphone to call or text their parent/caregiver to inform them that they have arrived at school safely, students may do so from a designated area in the school’s Lobby.
  • Before leaving the school lobby, students will place all smartphones and personal electronic devices in the pouch and securely lock the pouch. Staff will confirm the pouch is locked before exiting the lobby. Students will keep this pouch on their person or in their school bag throughout the school day.
  • Students are not permitted to wear any form of headphones and must secure them in the pouch, if possible, or in their school bags for the duration of the school day.
  • Staff will be present in the lobby to immediately contact the family/caregiver of any student who refuses to place their devices in the pouch. 
  • Prior to the final bell, Period 8 teachers will unlock the pouches, students will remove their smartphones/ internet-enabled personal devices and drop the pouch in a designated basket. 
  • Staff will be available in the lobby to unlock pouches for students permitted to exit the building for lunch. Upon re-entry, students will again secure their devices in the pouch for the remainder of the day. 
  • Staff will also be available in the lobby to unlock pouches for students without an 8th period class or with approved early dismissal. 
  • Pouches should not be taken out of the school building. 


Contact During the School Day:

If parents/caregivers need to reach a student during the school day, they may call the school’s Main Office at (212) 346-0708. A staff member will be available to answer the phone at all times between the hours of 7:30AM and 2:40PM. 


If a student needs to call a parent, they may go to the Main Office on the 10th Floor or to the Guidance Office on the 9th Floor. Staff will be there to assist students in placing phone calls from the school building.


Internet Access for School Related Purposes:

For lesson-related tasks requiring internet access, each classroom is equipped with a sufficient number of Chromebooks for all students and these devices will be used at the discretion of the teacher. Internet-enabled desktop computers will continue to be available for student use throughout the day in the Library and College Office.  


Exceptions: 

 Education Law §2803 allows for specific exceptions:

  1. If authorized by the school for a specific educational purpose 
  2. Where necessary for the management of a student’s healthcare ( for example to monitor blood sugar or other similar circumstances) as determined by the student’s medical provider or for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member.
  3. Where required by law.

Temporary exceptions may all be granted if:

  1. In the event of an individual student emergency, where the parent has previously notified the school of the specific nature of the emergency.
  2. Translation/interpretation services are required until a student can be provided with a school-issued translation device.
  3. There is a wait time between when provisions for a personal internet-enabled device are included in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan and when a DOE-issued device can be provided to the student.

Parents/Caregivers may request an exception to the New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law by contacting Nora Garcia, Parent Coordinator at [email protected] or 212-346-0708 ext. 1913. Ms. Garcia will coordinate a review of each request with relevant school staff and issue approvals within 5 days of receipt.


Once an exception is granted, students will be given a non-locking, non-signal blocking pouch to place their device in during the school day. The device must remain in the pouch any time it is not in use for a purpose related to their specific exception.   




Non-compliance:

Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy ("IAUSP") will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. As provided in the State law, a student may not be suspended solely on the grounds that the student accessed a personal internet-enabled device in violation of school policy​.​ ​ Repeated incidents of insubordination (i.e. refusal to surrender or store device) may result in a suspension if approved by the Office of Safety and Youth Development.

Lost or stolen devices: 

In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.


We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact Nora Garcia, Parent Coordinator at 212-346-0708 ext. 1913 or [email protected].