Distraction-Free School Zones Frequently Asked Questions

In January of 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a Distraction-Free School Zones Policy was part of her legislative proposal for the 2025-2026 school year. In May, the Governor’s budget and proposal were adopted.

The District is required to have a policy adopted and posted no later than August 1^st.  Implementation will begin in September for the 2025-2026 school year.

Overview of Proposal: Student use of personal, internet-enabled devices and the associated headphones/headsets (Bluetooth enabled accessories), are prohibited during the entire school day (bell to bell), including all instructional and non-instructional times (e.g., homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, passing time).   Personal, internet-enabled devices include but are not limited to: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, gaming consoles, Fitbits, Google glasses, VR headsets, MP3 players, iPods, and iPads.

Device Storage: At the elementary school level, devices must be stored in students’ backpacks, turned off, from the time they enter the building at the start of the school day until they exit the building at the end of the school day. At the middle and high school levels, devices must be turned off and stored in a locked locker during the school day.

Exceptions: Students may use their personal, internet-enabled devices under the following circumstances:

• Authorized by a Teacher - For a specific educational purpose (including personally owned laptops)
• Healthcare Needs - As required for tracking health conditions or medical purposes as per Individual Health Care Plan (example: Diabetes monitoring)
• In the event of an emergency
• Translation Services - As necessary for English Language Learners
• On a case-by-case basis for student caregivers responsible for the well-being of a family member.  Such allowance will only be permitted after a review and determination by a school social worker, school counselor or school psychologist
• Required by Law - If the use of the device is mandated by law
• IEP/504 Plans - When specified in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan (Limited in scope. A structured process will be developed.)
   

Link to Proposal Presentation

• VIDEO Link to Proposal Presentation (Begins at 1:36:00)

Overview:

• First Offense - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Warning.   Returned to student at the end of the school day.
• Second Offense - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Warning.   Returned to parent.
• Third Offense and beyond - Device confiscated.  Parent notification.  Additional school consequences.   Returned to parent.
• Refusal to Comply (Middle and High School) - In-school suspension for refusal to turn over a device when asked by an adult.
  • A student’s refusal to comply multiple times may result in a student being required to place personal, internet-enabled electronic device(s) in a secure storage space prior to the first bell of the scheduled school day.  Following the last bell of the day, the storage solution will be unlocked.  If students refuse to turn their device over to an adult when asked, this will be considered insubordination and a day of in-school suspension will be assigned.

Yes, the District is purchasing storage solutions for Distraction-Free Learning Zones.  A student’s refusal to comply multiple times may result in a student being required to place personal, internet-enabled electronic device(s) in a secure storage space prior to the first bell of the scheduled school day.  Following the last bell of the day, the storage solution will be unlocked.

The District can be reimbursed by the state for purchasing storage solutions. In the budget proposal, the Governor allocated $13.5 million in funding for school districts to purchase storage solutions.

Yes, as part of the Governor’s mandate, school districts across the state will be required to publish an annual report on infractions.

Parents/guardians may call the main office to leave a message for their child.  In addition, students may use the school’s phone in the office (or classroom, when available and appropriate) to call their parent/guardian.

Where age appropriate, parents/guardians may also WITSmail their own child.

Elementary Schools

• In general, electronic devices have to be put away during the school day in a student’s backpack.

Middle Schools

• In general, middle schools have been consistent. Electronic devices are not allowed during the school day and have to be kept in a students locked locker.

High Schools

• In general, cell phones and electronic devices are allowed during non-instructional times (passing, lunch, study hall, etc).
• Students may use their electronic devices with teacher approval during instructional time.
• Electronic devices are not allowed in private spaces (lavatories/lockers/offices).

Yes, the Chair of the Distraction-Free School Zones Committee spoke with Lackawanna and Medina School Districts.

Policies from other schools across the nation were reviewed including: Orangeburg County School District (SC), Rosedale Union School District (CA), Bethlehem Central School District (NY), Ankeny Community School District (IA), and Los Angeles School District (CA). 

No, while the policy is for student use of personal electronic devices, it does not govern use by faculty and staff in our schools.  However, faculty and staff should model positive behavior and have their personal electronic device away during instructional time.

Following the announcement from the Governor in January, the District sent stakeholders a notice of interest form to inquire about joining the Distraction-Free School Zones Committee.

After the form closed, a lottery was held to select stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, and administrators).  The committee met on the following days:

• February 27, 2025
• March 13, 2025
• March 27, 2025
• April 9, 2025
• May 8, 2025

The Distraction-Free School Zones Committee will also meet on June 25^th to review feedback from the comment period and assess whether any amendments need to be made.

Communication is available to review on the Distraction-Free School Zones webpage.  The District and school buildings shared news, research, and information graphics in the bi-weekly newsletters.  Informational posters were placed throughout school buildings to also raise awareness on this initiative.  The District also provided meeting updates during the regularly scheduled Board of Education Community Updates.

As we near the end of the school year and continue work in the summer months, the District will continue to provide updates and information regarding Distraction-Free School Zones.

Link - https://www.edweek.org/technology/which-states-ban-or-restrict-cellphones-in-schools/2024/06