A newly implemented policy banning mobile phones and internet-connected devices in New York City’s public schools is showing results that are “better than expected.” Covering one million students, this initiative represents the largest school district in the U.S. to enforce such a ban. While students and parents report some challenges, teachers note significant improvements in classroom focus and participation.
The ambitious ban—requiring smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops to remain stowed away from the first bell to the last—has quickly reshaped the school day. At Brooklyn Technical High School, dismissal now comes with the sound of Velcro bags being opened, releasing devices and hours of accumulated notifications.
Mixed Reactions to New York School Phone Ban
Student reactions are mixed. Sixteen-year-old Raisa Ibn Emad describes a “love-hate relationship” with the ban: she appreciates improved focus but dislikes carrying multiple notebooks instead of her laptop. Sophomore Mason Sui, 15, reports increased face-to-face interactions, saying he “talked to more people than usual.” Others worry about after-school planning and losing track of time without visible clocks.
Parents’ chief concern is emergency communication. Manhattan mother Maria Gonzalez voiced unease about contacting her son if needed. School officials, including NYC Schools Chief of Safety Mark Rampersant, reassured parents that direct emergency contact lines exist and encouraged updating contact information.
Teachers—initially wary of resistance—are largely supportive. Margaret Joyce, a Bronx 4th-grade teacher, says the ban is “better than expected,” with fewer hidden phones or bathroom breaks for screen time. Nicole Kiester, a 7th-grade English teacher in Queens, adds that the ban has become “routine,” resulting in less distraction, more learning, and deeper classroom conversations.
Implementation varies across schools:
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800 schools use magnetic pouches.
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600 schools use drop-boxes or storage bins.
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500 schools collect phones in classrooms.
Some students try to bypass rules with fake phones or tampered pouches, but schools address violations with disciplinary steps such as detention or parent calls.
New York’s move mirrors a broader national and international trend. States like California and Louisiana, and countries such as France and China, have introduced similar restrictions to reduce distractions, improve mental health, and combat cyberbullying.
Despite “adjustment difficulties,” officials remain optimistic that the long-term benefits will include stronger focus, healthier social interactions, and more engaging learning environments. As the largest school district in the country, New York’s approach serves as a critical case study for education systems worldwide.