New York City is not banning cellphones in schools just yet

More time needed to work out enforcement and logistics of a ban across 1,500 schools

Los Angeles became the largest school district in the United States to ban cellphones in June. Entire states, such as Virginia, Ohio and Minnesota, have moved to institute broad crackdowns on phones in schools. But not New York City.

At least not yet, Mayor Eric Adams said on Aug 27.

He added at a news conference that New York City is a "unique animal" and that while there will be "some action", the city is not yet ready for a full ban.

"We're not there yet," he noted.

"We have to get it right." Earlier in the summer, Mr David C. Banks, the schools chancellor, suggested that new cellphone restrictions would be unveiled before the fall semester. So the mayor's announcement a week before the city's first day of school came as a surprise to many families.

Mr Adams' comments will likely placate some parents and educators concerned about the logistics of a ban while worrying others who argue that the devices harm students.

A growing list of states, cities and school districts have curbed students' cellphone use as concerns rise over their mental health. Officials point to the potential damage that access to social media and an "always online" culture may do to children.

Mr Adams said he does not want any distractions in city schools.

But he also wants to be careful about the implementation of any eventual ban, so that the city will not have to backtrack on its plans.