News » School Policy for Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

School Policy for Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

PS24 Cell Phone Policy 2025-2026
As part of the statewide mandate to support safe and distraction-free learning environments, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is preparing for the implementation of a bell-to-bell cell phone and electronic device policy for the entire instructional day from 7:30am-4:45pm or whenever instruction is in session beginning of SY 2025-2026. This ban applies to personal internet-enabled electronic devices  (not just cell or smart phones).PS 24 has developed the cell phone policy below based on policy regarding Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, PS24 has the following cell phone policy: 
  • Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises. 
  • Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except as authorized by the school, or pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan or a Section 504 accommodation plan. 
  • Use of personal devices may be permitted under the following conditions:
    • Medical Necessity: Required to monitor a medical condition, as documented by a healthcare provider and reviewed by the Office of School Health
    • IEP/504 Plan: If specified in a student's Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan and no DOE-issued device is available
  • To request an exception, please contact our School Psychologist, Liliet Chang, [email protected]. Exceptions may take 10-15 school days to process.
  • All cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems brought to school must be turned off before entering school. These items must be kept in students’ book bags which will be in the classroom closets.  They are not to be turned on until students have left school property. 
  • Students who use cell phones, computing devices or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. 
  • Students who choose to bring cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment systems to school are fully responsible for that device/system.  All devices/systems must be kept in students' backpacks during the school day.  PS 24 is not liable for lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems. 
  • 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. The parents can speak with our SPOC, Manuel Villanueva at [email protected] 718-832-9366 for further assistance.
  • If a school confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system for violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, this regulation, and/or the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, the principal/designee will contact the student’s parent. 
  • The first time a school confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system, the student’s parent will be contacted, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the day.  
  • The second time a school confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system, the student’s parent will be contacted and required to come to school so that it can be returned to the parent.
  • In an emergency parents may contact the students during the school day via the school’s main office at 718- 832-9366. Please ask to speak with the guidance counselor assigned to your grade. Ada Galan, Thomas Colella or Caroline Andrade. 
  • In an emergency, students will have access to contact their guardians using the schools’ landline. Guardians will receive automated communication via the GAMA system. Please set up a NYCSA account by logging in to NYCSA or by contacting our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Ana Aguilar, at [email protected] or 718-832-9366. Please also set up a classroom and school DOJO account in September.
 
This policy is subject to change.