Updated August 2025
In July 2025 the Panel for Educational Policy approved a revision to Chancellor’s Regulation A-413. This regulation covers the use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets. The updated policy brings all NYC public schools into alignment with the new state law that prohibits the use of these devices during the entire school day, including on-site afterschool programs.
We have developed the following Cell Phone/Smart Watch/Electronic Device Policy in accordance with Chancellor’s Reg A-413 :
- Before entering the school building (at 8am for breakfast, 8:15am for regular arrival, and all late arrivals) all students must turn off their devices and place them in a secure, personal Yondr pouch that locks. They’ll keep the pouch in their backpack all day. Devices remain in Yondr pouches until students exit the building at 2:40pm or a later time due to an on-site after-school program that dismisses between 3pm and 6pm.
Students will bring their pouches to and from school and will be responsible for them every day. - While students are riding on DOE buses or on any school field trip/function, the Cell Phone/Smart Watch/Electronic Device Policy is in effect just as if the student was in a classroom during the school day.
- When students are dismissed and leave the building for the day they will unlock their pouches, retrieve their devices and store their Yondr pouch in their backpack for the next school day.
- In case of an emergency students can use the school phone to contact families. Families can always contact the school via email or through the main line, 718.834.6740.
- Students who use cell phones, smart watches, computing devices, and/or other portable music and entertainment systems in violation of any provision 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 (“IAUSP”), will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the NYC Public Schools Discipline Code.
- In the event that a student’s Yondr pouch is lost or damaged, there will be a $25 fee for a replacement.
- Exceptions to this policy will be made on a case-by-case basis and include students with medical needs and documented assistive technology needs on an IEP or 504 Plan.
Disregarding the cell phone policy is a violation of both New York State Law and Chancellor’s Regulation A-413. Below are some sample disciplinary responses. Please review the New York City Public School’s Discipline Code for a full explanation of the disciplinary policy.
It is important to understand that anything that your student does or says on their electronic device that affects another student or the school can be cause for disciplinary action at the school and district level. PS 8 and all District 13 schools are united in the goal of creating safe and supportive environments, and this extends beyond the walls of our school.
| Sample Cell Phone Infractions | Possible School Actions |
|---|---|
| 1. Having an electronic device out on campus 2. Using an electronic device on campus | Device will be taken by school staff; parent/guardian will be contacted; device will be returned at the end of the day. |
| If students use their phones to: 1. Take pictures 2. Record classmates and our staff members (on /or off campus) 3. Share inappropriate content with classmates 4. Cyber-bully, e.g., posting negative comments on Facebook or any social media outlets | Please review the New York City Public Schools Citywide Behavioral Expectations. These sample infractions constitute serious offenses to student safety and well being of our entire school community. These harmful activities can constitute school based discipline, even if they occur off school grounds or with students from other schools. |
| The school reserves the right to create an individual intervention plan for students who consistently and habitually do not follow the district wide cell phone policy. | |
Feel free to visit schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy to learn more about this citywide policy.