Cell Phone, Smartwatch, and Personal Device Policy

As required by New York State Law schools must prohibit student use of cell phones and personal internet enabled devices during the school day.

We understand that families may choose to send their children to school with cell phones or smartwatches for safety and communication purposes. At PS 10, we support these intentions while also maintaining a learning environment that is respectful, focused, and free from distractions.

Students may use their cell phones or smartwatches to call or text parents immediately upon arrival or at dismissal only. At all other times, including early arrival, lunch, and recess, devices must remain turned off and stored in backpacks.

Cell phones, smartwatches, and similar devices:

  • Must remain off and inside students’ backpacks during the school day, including early arrival, lunch, and recess.
  • May not be used in bathrooms or during field trips, fire drills, or lockdown drills.
  • Will be collected during New York State testing days.

Students are not permitted to call, text, or message family members during the school day. If a student needs to contact a family member, they may request to use a school phone in the main office.

In addition:

  • Students may not photograph or record staff or students at any time, inside or outside of the school building.

To support this policy, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. First instance: If a student’s phone or smartwatch is seen or used during the school day, they will receive a reminder of the policy and be asked to turn the device off and return it to their backpack.
  2. Repeated instance: If a student does not comply with the initial reminder, the device will be collected by a staff member and stored in the main office for the rest of the day. The student may retrieve it at dismissal.
  3. Ongoing misuse: Students who repeatedly misuse their device will have it collected by an administrator. A parent or guardian will be contacted and required to pick up the device in person.

Please note that PS 10 and the New York City Public Schools are not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal devices. Devices are brought to school at the family’s own risk.

Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students.