New Cellphone Law Takes Effect September 2025

Through the NYS budget process, Governor Hochul signed into law a requirement that all public schools across NYS must create a distraction free learning environment which entails restricting access and use of cellphones and other internet-related devices.  This law applies to all students in grades K-12.  Specific to the District’s policy, this also includes any non-internet messaging devices. 

This means that students are not allowed to be “connected” to or with a device during the entire school day, including lunches, study halls and passing time.  Students are, however, permitted to use their District issued laptops. 

What the Policy Requires

• Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12): Phones / Devices must be turned off and stored in lockers from arrival until dismissal, unless the student leaves campus.
• Elementary Schools (Grades K-5): Phones / Devices must be collected and stored in the classroom.

Why the Change?

The policy is part of a broader statewide initiative signed into law to promote distraction-free schools and support students' mental health and academic potential. Unfolding research shows that excessive cellphone use and social media can negatively impact student well-being, attention, and peer relationships.

Possible Exceptions to this Law:

Students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds:

a)       Where necessary for the management of a student's health care; 

b)       For translation services;

c)        On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a building administrator; or,

d)       Where required by law.

Students must be permitted to use an internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student's:

a)       Individualized Education Program (IEP); or,

b)       Section 504 Plan.

Parent-Student Communication

If you need to reach your child during the school day, contact the school’s main office. Likewise, if your child needs to contact you, phones will be available for their use in designated areas.

Personal Responsibility and Device Security

Students are responsible for securing their devices. Locker combinations should not be shared, and the District is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary or remedial action, progressive in nature. Examples include a warning, parent/guardian meeting, confiscation of devices, detention, alternate storage areas, and in-school suspension, in accordance with District code of conduct. The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy.

More Work Needs to be Done

This summer, our Board of Education, administrators, teacher and parent leaders will be working on regulations to address the following:

• Supports for students, recognizing that being connected during the day is a habit
• Best way to enforce a progressive discipline concept, knowing that this is a significant change in practice
• How to address other distractions such as movies, games, ear buds, music, etc.
• Practices for securing phones / devices
• How to assess if changes, where permitted, need to be made in policy

 For details about the Board of Education policy, view: CellPhonePolicy2025.pdf