In July 2025, New York State enacted legislation that prohibits the use of internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, by students during the school day in public schools across the state. This law was established to support focused, distraction-free learning environments and to promote student well-being and safety. As a district, we are required to comply with this new mandate beginning with the 2025–26 school year.
Jr.-Sr. High School Internet Enabled Device Policy
Elementary Internet Enabled Device Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Policy
Q: Why is this policy being implemented? A: This policy is a New York State mandate that went into effect on May 10, 2025, with enforcement beginning August 1, 2025. The 2025-26 New York State budget included a ban on students using non-school-issued internet-enabled devices during instructional days. This is not a local school decision but a state requirement that applies to all school districts, charter schools, and BOCES in New York State.
Q: What devices are covered by this policy? A: The policy covers all non-school-issued internet-enabled devices, including smartphones and their connected accessories, tablets, smartwatches, or any other device capable of connecting to the internet. School-issued devices used for educational purposes are not restricted by this law.
Q: When does the restriction apply? A: The restriction applies for the entirety of the instructional day on school grounds, including non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study hall, free periods (in the building), and passing time. School grounds include any building, athletic field, playground, or land within school boundaries. The restriction does not apply to school buses while on route and not on school grounds.
Storage and Security
Q: Where will students store their phones?
A: Junior-Senior High School students (Grades 7-12) will be required to store their phones in their lockers during the entire school day. (on silent/vibrate or powered off)
Elementary students (Grade Pre-K-6) will be required to store their devices in their backpacks and keep them in the cubby or bin storage during the school day. (on silent/vibrate or powered off)
Communication and Emergencies
Q: How can parents contact their children during school hours? A: Parents can contact the main office, and relevant staff will deliver messages to students. Student-initiated communication such as after-school changes or transportation needs can be communicated through the main office.
Q: What about emergencies? A: In case of emergencies, students may be authorized to use their devices. The policy includes exceptions for emergency situations. Additionally, classroom phones and the main office remain available for emergency communications. Emergency situations are specifically listed as an exception to the policy.
Exceptions and Accommodations
Q: Are there any exceptions to this policy? A: Yes, the policy allows exceptions for:
- Educational purposes when authorized by a teacher, principal, or school district
- Healthcare management needs
- Emergency situations
- Translation services
- Students routinely responsible for family member care
- Students with IEP or Section 504 Plan accommodations
Q: What about students with medical needs or anxiety? A: Students with documented medical needs, including mental health accommodations, may have exceptions included in their IEP or Section 504 Plan. Parents should work with the school’s special education team to address these needs.
Q: Can students use phones for school projects like photography or research? A: Schools will rely on school-issued devices for educational technology needs.
Implementation and Enforcement
Q: What are the consequences for violating this policy? A: The school will implement a tiered approach to violations.
First Offense: Devices will be turned into the Main Office by a teacher or staff member, accompanied by a discipline referral. The cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
Second Offense: Devices will be turned in to the Main Office by a teacher or staff member, accompanied by a discipline referral. A parent will be notified and will be required to reclaim the cell phone from an administrator at the end of the school day.
Third Offense: Devices will be turned in to the Main Office by a teacher or staff member, accompanied by a discipline referral. A parent will be notified and will be required to reclaim the cell phone from an administrator at the end of the school day. Additionally, other consequences may range from detention to a Superintendent’s hearing.
* Any student that refuses to hand their device over to a staff member will receive additional consequences ranging from detention to a Superintendent’s hearing.
Q: How will this be enforced? A: Teachers and staff will monitor compliance. The school is working on implementation strategies to make enforcement as smooth as possible while minimizing disruption to instruction.
Q: What about lunch and free periods? A: The state mandate includes ALL non-instructional time during the school day, including lunch and free periods. Phones must remain stored during these times as well.
Specific Concerns
Q: What about Bluetooth headphones needed for school laptops? A: Students should clarify with teachers about Bluetooth headphones used for educational purposes with school devices. These may be permitted when needed for school work.
Q: Do teachers and staff have to follow the same rules? A: The state law specifically applies to students. However, the school encourages all staff to model appropriate technology use during instructional time.
Q: What about smartwatches? A: Smartwatches are included in the ban as they are internet-enabled devices. Students will need to store these devices along with their phones.
Q: Can students access their phones if they need to leave school grounds? A: Students may access their stored devices when leaving school grounds with proper permission. However, they must re-store devices if returning to school grounds during the instructional day.
Transition Period
Q: How will the school help students adjust to this change? A: The school will provide visual and verbal reminders during the first weeks of implementation. Staff will assist students with locker use and answer questions about the new procedures.
Q: What if students forget and bring their phones to class? A: During the initial transition period, students will receive reminders to store their devices. However, after the adjustment period, standard disciplinary measures will apply.
Reporting and Accountability
Q: How will the school track enforcement of this policy? A: Beginning September 1, 2026, the school must publish an annual report summarizing policy enforcement, including demographic data on disciplinary actions and analysis of any disparities in enforcement.
Additional Questions
Q: Where can I find the complete written policy? A: The complete policy will be posted on the school’s website in a clearly visible location and will be available. Building specific procedures are included in student handbooks.
Q: Who can I contact if I have concerns about this policy? A: While this is a state mandate, parents and students can contact the school administration to discuss specific concerns. For broader policy concerns, contact your state representatives.
Q: Will this policy be reviewed or updated? A: The school will continue to gather feedback and may make adjustments to implementation procedures within the constraints of the state mandate. Annual reporting requirements may also inform policy refinements.