Student Cellphone Ban In NYC Public Schools Lifted
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- More than 1 million New York City public school students can now bring their cellphones to school as a longtime ban on the devices is lifted.
Mayor Bill de Blasio had promised to overturn the ban during his 2013 mayoral campaign.
The city had announced in January that the ban would be lifted on March 2.
De Blasio called it "a common-sense action'' that would give parents peace of mind.
Each school will have an individualized policy determined by its principal, with input from parents and teachers. It could include allowing students to use their phones during lunch or in designated areas and storing them in their backpacks during class.
"Parents and families should contact their principal or parent coordinator for information about their school's specific cellphone use and confiscation policy," according the city's Department of Education website.
The ban was put in place by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
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