New York City schools plan to ban mobile phone use in their classrooms due to concerns about children’s mental wellbeing.

The largest school system in America announced its decision on Wednesday, following an extensive consultation with medical professionals.

In an interview with NY1, David Banks, New York City Schools chancellor said: “Our children are addicted to these smartphones. We’ve got do something about it.”

The new rules will affect approximately 915,000 students, he said.

Mr Banks stated that the new rules will allow parents to use devices on school grounds, but not during school hours.

He said, “We want you be able bring your phone to the school so that you can communicate with your family as soon as school ends.”

The ban represents a major departure from the existing rules that allow each head teacher to determine their own policy on mobile phones.

New York schools have adopted a variety approaches. Some collect phones at the beginning of the school day, while others tell students to place their devices into lockable pouches.

Bill de Blasio, the then New York Mayor, lifted a ban on cell phones in schools imposed by Michael Bloomberg.

He said that it was unfair for low-income families to be forced to pay the costs of the law.

Mr Banks stated that the new plan will not result in any additional fees for students. He added, “We don’t want students to have to spend a dollar just to leave their phones in the bodega next door.”

Kathy Hochul is the Democrat Governor of New York and she plans to follow in the footsteps of the city by proposing legislation that would ban smartphones in all schools throughout the state.

Gavin Newsom, California’s Democrat Governor, promised last week to limit smartphone use during school hours.

Los Angeles, the second largest school district in America behind New York City, also approved restrictions in recent weeks that will come into effect in January.

Last year, Ron DeSantis signed into law a similar bill.