Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone & Personal Electronic Device Policy — 2026-2027
PS 50Q Policy — Subject to Change
PS 50’S POLICY (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) FOR CELLPHONE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES 2026-2027
Purpose
To create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones and other personal internet-enabled electronic devices, ensure the safety and focus of all students during school the school day, and follow Education Law §2803, effective August 1, 2025, all New York State schools are required to adopt a policy that prohibits the use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds. An "internet-enabled electronic device" is defined as an electronic device capable of connecting to the internet and enabling the user to access content on the internet. Examples of such devices include cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, iPads, and portable music and entertainment systems.
Policy Statement
Students will not be permitted to use or access their personal internet-enabled electronic devices upon arrival at school until the end of the school day. The school day is defined as the period from the moment students enter the school building until the last class of the day ends, including during lunch. The school day starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m. Students will be able to use school/NYCPS-issued devices during the school day.
Prohibited & Permitted Devices
Prohibited Personal Devices
- Smartphones.
- Personal tablets, iPads, and laptops.
- Smartwatches.
- Gaming devices with internet capability.
- Any other personal electronic device capable of connecting to the internet.
Permitted Devices
- School-issued devices used for educational purposes.
- Devices required by a student's IEP or 504 Plan.
- Medical devices documented by healthcare providers.
- Personal internet-enabled devices authorized by school administration for specific educational purposes.
Storage of Electronic Devices
- Student must power off all prohibited devices immediately upon entering the school building
- Upon entering the building students will be provided with a pouch to put their device in, this pouch will be locked by a staff member. Students will store their pouch in their book bag.
- At the end of the school day a staff member will unlock the pouch, students will retrieve their device and turn in the pouch prior to leaving the building.
- Students who attend afterschool will have their devices unlocked upon dismissal of afterschool.
- In the event that a student is signed early for dismissal their pouch will be unlocked and collected at the security desk by a staff member.
- Students may power on their device after they leave the school building.
Exceptions for Personal Internet-Enabled Devices
Required Exceptions
The school must authorize device use when:
- Authorized by the principal or designee for specific educational purposes.
- Necessary to manage a medical condition documented by a medical provider and reviewed by the Office of School Health.
- Determined necessary by a school psychologist, social worker, or counselor for a student caregiver responsible for family-member care.
- Required by law.
Optional Exceptions
The school may authorize use for an individual student emergency when the parent has notified the principal or designee of the specific emergency, or for translation/interpretation when other means are unavailable.
IEP / 504 Plan Requirements
Students must be permitted to use personal devices when such use is included in an IEP or 504 Plan for medical or educational purposes.
Emergency Communications
- Parents or guardians may call the school at 718-526-5336 to reach their child during an emergency or exigent circumstance.
- Students may access classroom phones to reach parents or guardians during an emergency or exigent circumstance.
- The school may use NYC Public Schools email blasts and/or text messages to communicate emergency information to families.
- Families may communicate with the classroom teacher through Class Dojo.
Our Approach to Accountability
Our cell phone policy violations will be addressed through this restorative lens, ensuring that consequences are reasonable, related to the impact, restorative in nature, and respectful of all community members.
Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, PS 50’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use an Safety Policy will be subject to progressive discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Citywide Behavioral Expectations and/or Discipline Code. These measures are listed below:
| Infraction | Restorative Accountability Process |
|---|---|
| First Infraction | Consequence: Device confiscated immediately. Parent/Guardian Notification: Staff member calls home to discuss the incident and reinforce policy expectations. Retrieval: Student may retrieve the device at the end of the school day. Documentation: Infraction will be iLogged. |
| Second Infraction | Consequence: Personal internet-enabled device is confiscated by a staff member. Parent/Guardian Notification: Principal or designee calls home to discuss the incident and reinforce policy expectations. Retrieval: Device will be returned to guardian and/or student. Parents will be notified by the Principal or Principal’s Designee. Documentation: Parent Conference Form and iLogged. |
| Third Infraction | Consequence: Student must turn in the device to a staff member upon entering school for 10 consecutive school days. Parent/Guardian Notification: In-person conference with Principal or Principal’s Designee. Retrieval: Device will be returned to guardian and/or student. Parents will be notified by the Principal or Principal’s Designee. Documentation: Parent Conference Form and iLogged. |
| Fourth & Subsequent Infractions | Consequence: Student must turn in the device to a staff member upon entering school for 10 consecutive school days. Activity Impact: Student becomes temporarily ineligible for one school privilege during the 10-day period, selected in consultation with the student/family. Parent/Guardian Notification: In-person conference with Principal or Principal’s Designee. Retrieval: Device will be returned to guardian and/or student. Parents will be notified by the Principal or Principal’s Designee. Documentation: Parent Conference Form and iLogged. |
Policy Updates
This policy will be reviewed regularly in consultation with the School Leadership Team (SLT) and may be updated based on community feedback and evolving guidance from NYC Public Schools. Changes will be communicated to students, parents, and staff before implementation.
If a Device Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents may submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information is available on the Comptroller’s webpage.
Questions?
We appreciate your cooperation in helping PS 50Q maintain a focused and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these policies, please do not hesitate to contact the school at 718-526-5336.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment.
