Overview

• The ban requires K–12 students to disconnect from personal devices on school grounds, with school-issued laptops still permitted.
• Each DOE campus put a written separation policy into effect on the first day, with initial rollouts Wednesday in Mount Vernon and Yonkers.
• High schoolers place phones in Yondr pouches kept on their person until unlocked at dismissal; K–8 students use lockboxes, caddies or lockers.
• NYC security director Mark Rampersant said schools must give families a working phone number with a live responder plus real-time texts or emails during emergencies.
• Teachers report fewer distractions and more face-to-face interaction, as administrators flag purchasable pouch-release tools and unclear backups when school tech fails.