The pandemic has exacerbated the problem of cyberbullying online. The ban on smartphone use in schools is intended to combat the phenomenon.

Cyberbullying has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent survey of New York City high school students. A staggering 42% of those surveyed reported that their peers regularly fell victim to online harassment or bullying. This compares to 35% in 2019.

The study was conducted as part of the annual NYC School Survey, which surveyed over 355,000 students and hundreds of thousands of families and teachers. The data will be used by school principals to improve learning conditions and safety.

Data shows that cyberbullying affects girls more than boys, and lower secondary school students more than upper secondary school students. However, there has been a slight improvement compared to the 2023/24 school year, with 43% of students reporting similar problems.

The state's "from the first bell to the last bell" ban on cellphone use in schools is intended to partially address this problem. Students will be barred from using smartphones not only during classes, but also during breaks and in the cafeteria.

Between the 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years, the number of schools that introduced restrictions on student phone use – when the percentage of students falling victim to cyberbullying slightly decreased – increased from over 300 to 800.

At the same time, students' face-to-face relationships have improved – according to data, 68% of students believe that their peers treat each other with "respect," which is a 9 percentage point increase compared to 2019. Students also feel safer in school spaces – in hallways, cafeterias, and restrooms.

Ed. JŁ