{"id":6727,"date":"2025-12-30T21:20:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T02:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/nyceducationnews\/nyc-students-struggle-with-basic-skills-after-citywide-phone-ban\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T21:20:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T02:20:57","slug":"nyc-students-struggle-with-basic-skills-after-citywide-phone-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nycnewsnetwork.com\/nyceducationnews\/nyc-students-struggle-with-basic-skills-after-citywide-phone-ban\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC Students Struggle With Basic Skills After Citywide Phone Ban"},"content":{"rendered":"

The recent citywide ban on cellphones in NYC public schools is having an unexpected effect: some students are now struggling with basic skills that many adults take for granted. Teachers report that a surprising number of students can\u2019t read analog clocks or manage simple time-telling tasks without their phones.<\/p>\n

The ban, introduced at the start of the 2025\u201326 school year, prohibits students from using smartphones and other internet-enabled devices anywhere on campus during the school day. While the policy aims to reduce distractions and improve focus, it has also highlighted a gap in students\u2019 fundamental life skills. See Governor\u2019s Office on Education Initiatives<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany students rely on their phones for everything,\u201d said one Manhattan teacher. \u201cWhen they can\u2019t just look at their device, they suddenly struggle with something as simple as telling time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

How Educators Are Responding<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Teachers across the city are working to address this \u201cskill gap\u201d by reintroducing traditional lessons that had previously been assumed mastered. Lessons now focus on reading analog clocks, simple calculations without digital devices, and other practical skills that are essential in daily life.<\/p>\n

Despite these challenges, many educators are seeing positive changes as well:<\/p>\n