CELL PHONE POLICY
SUBJECT: USE OF INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
The District consulted with local stakeholders including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
Definitions
a) "Internet-enabled devices" means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications.
"Internet-enabled devices" does not include:
- Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet; or
- Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.
b) "School day" means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
c) "School grounds" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, middle school, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.
Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds.
However, students may be authorized to use an Internet-enabled device during the school day on school grounds:
a) If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose; b) Where necessary for the management of a student's health care; c) In the event of an emergency; d) For translation services; e) On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member; or f) 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.
On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones
Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices Policy
In accordance with Education Law §2803, this policy prohibits student use of Internet-enabled devices during the school day—including all classes, homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time—on school grounds, unless an exception is outlined in this policy.
Elementary School (Grades K–4) and Middle School (Grades 5–6):
Students are required to store their internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day. These areas will be introduced to students by their teachers or school administrators at the start of the school year. Acceptable storage locations may include, but are not limited to, student lockers, designated classroom storage bins, cubbies, or secure areas within the school’s main office. All devices must be silenced prior to entering school grounds and before being placed into storage. Please note that continuous student possession of devices is not consistent with the law’s intent to prohibit unsanctioned use during school hours.
Middle School (Grades 7–8) and High School (Grades 9–12):
Students must silence their Internet-enabled devices and store them in their assigned lockers throughout the school day. The law’s intent is to restrict student access to covered devices for non-permitted reasons. Continuous possession of devices—whether on a student’s person or in a backpack—is not sufficient to meet the prohibition requirements defined by law. All devices must be silenced prior to entering school grounds and before being placed into storage.
While students will utilize lockers as a dedicated storage method, to remain in compliance, students are prohibited from unsanctioned use of devices throughout the entire school day and on school grounds. Allowing continuous and unsupervised access to devices, even when stored in lockers, does not satisfy the law’s objective.
Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day
During the school day, to minimize distractions, parents (including those in parental relation) may contact their children by calling the school office. While regular or frequent communication through the main office is discouraged, the district recognizes that emergencies or urgent matters may arise. In such cases, school staff will relay messages to students, and administrators will assist in facilitating immediate contact.
Students may contact their parents by reporting to the main office during an approved time. This option is not intended for frequent or daily communication but may be used as needs arise. Parents or persons in parental relation can also drop off written notes at the school's main office, which can then be delivered to the student by school staff. The district will provide written notice of this communication protocol to parents at the start of each school year.
Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day
Enforcement of this policy is chiefly the responsibility of building administrative staff; however, all designated employees, faculty, and staff are expected to assist in enforcement. Students will be reminded of this policy regularly and consistently, especially at the start of the school year and after returning from breaks.
The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing Internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy. The first time this happens, the student may retrieve the device, and the parent will be notified. For subsequent instances, the parent must retrieve the device. Further instances will result in the device being held in the school office daily for longer periods of time. The district will exercise reasonable care to maintain the security of devices that are held by the district but cannot guarantee the devices will be secure. For students with exceptions under this policy, the district will examine alternative ways to achieve the purpose of the exception, including different storage or access provisions.
The district may not impose suspension from school if the sole grounds for the suspension is that the student accessed an Internet-enabled device as prohibited by this policy. However, the district may utilize consequences under the district’s Code of Conduct, including detention and exclusion from extracurricular activities. The district may also utilize assignments on the detrimental impact of social media on mental health, smartphones in school, or other relevant topics.
Posting and Translation of Policy
As required by law, the district will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website.
Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan
Beginning September 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the District will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy within the District during the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.
Legal Reference: Education Law Section 2803
Adopted: 8/76/2025