Overview

• New York State law mandates a bell-to-bell prohibition on personal internet-enabled devices for the 2025–26 school year.
• The NYC DOE’s revised policy requires secure storage options such as lockers, cubbies or Yondr pouches—backpacks may not serve as the sole storage method.
• Exceptions are narrowly defined for educational activities, medical device monitoring, IEP/504 accommodations, translation support, student caregivers and individual emergencies.
• Progressive discipline permits device confiscation and parent conferences but bars suspensions for a single violation, reserving them for repeated noncompliance.
• Of the $29 million authorized for implementation, $16 million has been distributed to schools to fund storage systems and staff training.