NYC NOW Back to School in New York: Phone Ban, Bus Chaos, and Anxiety about ICE
Sep 13, 2025
Jessica Gould, a WNYC education reporter, dives into the challenges facing New York City's schools this year. She discusses a new statewide smartphone ban that aims to enhance classroom engagement but raises concerns about student over-policing. Gould highlights alarming school bus delays, revealing discrepancies between official data and families' experiences. Additionally, she addresses the heightened anxiety among immigrant families due to strict immigration policies, emphasizing the urgent need for education in political discussions as the mayoral election looms.
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Statewide Bell-to-Bell Phone Ban
- New statewide law bans personal internet-enabled devices from arrival to dismissal to limit social media and classroom distraction.
- Principals report more attention in class and livelier cafeterias since phones are removed.
Implement Multiple Phone-Collection Methods
- Use varied collection systems like lockers, hired staff, or magnetic pouches to implement the ban.
- Expect snags such as long entry lines and burner phones and monitor adjustments accordingly.
Success Is Measured By Engagement
- Success means increased student attention and engagement, not perfect compliance or zero phones.
- Observers note kids passing written notes and interacting more in class and at lunch.