South Queens, NY - New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato is reminding families of two major changes that are set to begin with the start of the new school year: 1) every child will be eligible for free school meals, and 2) mobile phone/smart devices will NOT be allowed during the school day.

The implementation of universal free meals for all schools, including nonpublic and charter schools, has been a focus of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for years. During the 2025 New York State Budget, Pheffer Amato worked on this issue to ensure that New York State would give every school district, including NYC, the resources to make this a reality. Through that hard work, free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all school-aged children at all schools who participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program - guaranteeing that every child will be eligible for healthy and nutritious meals. “We all know that students do better at school when they have full stomachs, and one thing all of us can agree on is that no child should ever go hungry in school,” said the Assemblywoman. “I am proud to be able to stand up and say that through this work with Governor Hochul, I am able to bring this to our community and make this a reality throughout the State.” Parents can still send their kids to school with their own lunch, but the free breakfast and lunch option is now available to everyone, regardless of income.

In addition, the Assemblywoman is pointing out the cost-savings of this program to families. According to a State-wide estimate, this new policy will save families over $165 per child, per month. The Assemblywoman noted that this results in “money back in your pocket where it belongs!”

The other change to take effect this school year will result in a full-day ban on the use of mobile phones/smart devices from the first bell till the last bell. This State-wide rule is aimed at creating a distraction-free learning environment. “Our kids are in school to learn, not scroll on social media,” said Pheffer Amato. Under the law, the Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education has created regulations, A-413, for all public and charter schools in the City. The specifics of those regulations will be explained to each student, along with their parents, at the beginning of the school year. As it stands now: cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and other similar devices will not be permitted to be used during the school day. While a student is allowed to bring their device to school, upon the school day beginning students will be required to store their devices in school-provided storage, like a locker, individual cell phone pouches, or another secure storage system, for the whole day. Phones will not be allowed during instructional time or even non-instructional time which includes homeroom, lunch, recess, or study hall. Of course, should a student need a device due to an IEP or medical issue, they will be able use it as directed.

In the event a child needs to contact their parent, all students will have access to a school phone line that will allow students to make emergency calls when necessary. The Assemblywoman recommends that parents review their phone number(s) with their kids, as students won’t have access to their contacts on their phone, while also ensuring that schools have updated and correct emergency contact information.

For any specific-based questions regarding the free school meals, or the no smart device policy, parents are encouraged to reach out to the specific school.