The first day of school for New York City students is here.

Mayor Eric Adams and city officials welcomed children back to school Thursday morning. 

Several new schools opened Thursday, as students started to adjust to a new rule -- a statewide ban on cellphones during school hours.

Bell-to-bell cellphone ban begins in NYC schools

Along with all the jitters that come with the first day of school, students also have to get used to handing over their cellphones before going to class.

"I am so excited about this policy, because for too long students have sat in schools with their cellphone in their hand, distracted, looking at TikTok dance videos," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

"Like it or not, there is no place for cellphones in schools," Adams said.

Students will lose access to their personal electronic devices from bell to bell. That includes phones, smartwatches and tablets.

Each school will implement its own policy on where and how it stores phones, whether they're put in lockers, cubbies or lockable pouches. The Department of Education says approximately 820 schools opted to use pouches, 600 are using storage bins or boxes, and 550 are storing their devices in classroom lockers.

Should an emergency arise during the day, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos says educators will make sure the child receives the message.

"We want to make sure that when a parent calls the school, someone picks up the phone, so make sure that we have all those communication systems in place," Aviles-Ramos said on Aug. 21.

The new ban is causing hesitation for some.

"They're going to go crazy about it, but hopefully, you know, kids are resilient so they're gonna get used to it, hopefully," soccer coach Segundo Paredes said.

"You should be in class and focused on class," Hell's Kitchen resident Jesse Bilotta said.

"You either have the parents who are worried about their children and whether or not they'll get proper care or if they'll be properly advised and told what to do during an emergency," Bronx resident Teandra Rogers said. "But then you also have students who abuse it and they're using their phones during the time when they should be learning."

The schools chancellor says over half of New York City public schools already had some restrictions in place. Although phones will be taken away, students will be able to make emergency calls when and if necessary.  

7 new schools opening across NYC

There are even more changes for some, as seven new schools open Thursday.

The schools chancellor visited Queens Innovation Center on Wednesday, a day before thousands of high schoolers returned to the six-story building featuring 94 classrooms, several science labs, a 550-seat auditorium, modern library, new gym and a full kitchen complex.

Four high schools are now calling the former COVID-19 testing site home.

"A new space where our students will learn, grow, and explore a world of opportunities and career pathways," Aviles-Ramos said.

Other students started the school year at HBCU Early College Prep in Queens, which partnered with historically Black college Delaware State to allow students to earn college credits and an associates degree by the time they graduate. They would then have guaranteed admission to Delaware State.

"This whole summer, I've just been looking forward to going back to school," ninth grader Riley Douglas said.

"I'm really excited about it. I think this is gonna be a great opportunity for everyone," ninth grader Kali Williams added.