NYCDOE Cell Phone Policy

Implementation of New York State Cell Phone Law (Education Law §2801-c)

Effective August 1, 2025, New York State Education Law §2801-c mandates significant restrictions on student use of cell phones and internet-enabled devices during the school day. This law applies to all K–12 public schools, charter schools, and BOCES programs.  Please note the following provisions:

PARAMETERS

• All student personal internet-enabled electronic devices are prohibited.
• The policy is in effect from arrival through dismissal, including lunch and transition times.

COLLECTION/STORAGE

• All devices will be collected upon arrival and stored in electronics boxes.
• All collected devices will be returned during dismissal. If a student leaves early, an administrator, Dean, or Unit Coordinator will retrieve the device.
• If there is a report of a device being lost or damaged, P23Q will conduct an investigation to determine possible next steps. 

COMMUNICATION (STUDENT/SCHOOL)

• This policy shall be posted at P23Q’s website, as well as shared via NYCSA.
• In the event of an emergency, students will be able to contact parents and families via existing systems of outreach (i.e., Agency Therapist, Unit Coordinator, Administrator, etc.).
• P23Q will send out automated messages to parents/guardians via Parents Square.
• In case of emergency, parents can utilize the following numbers:

• • • Q841 – (718) 707-2970
    • Q503 – (929) 622-7001
    • Q365 – (718) 569-5287
    • NYCCC – (718) 264-4800
    • Lifeline – (718) 465-3438

EXCEPTIONS

• Exemptions may apply for students with IEP’s, 504 plans, or medical needs.
• To request an exemption, families/agencies should reach out to the Unit Coordinator to explore the process. In order to add an exemption to the IEP, the timeline shall be no longer than 60 days.

DISCIPLINE:

• Progressive disciplinary consequences in violation of this new law are described in the NYCPS Code of Discipline.