Bell-to-Bell School Smart Phone Ban is Looming

Starting in September, New York State law requires Bell-to-Bell restrictions on smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices in K-12 schools statewide.

Governor Hochul put this initiative in place based on feedback from teachers, parents and students. Under the new regulations, school districts across New York developed their own policy for restricting smartphones – empowering administrators and teachers to advance a plan that works best for their buildings and students.

The Governor said last week that 90% of NYS school districts have submitted their plans. South Shore Press took a look at the database for Suffolk County Districts and is happy to report that all South Shore Districts have submitted something to the state and are in compliance with the new law.

For parents of students enrolled in public schools, charter schools and BOCES across New York, you can see your school’s policy for yourself at the new NYS Database.  Just type in either the name of your school district or ‘Suffolk’ to see every district in Suffolk County. Parents are also encouraged to reach out to their school if they have any questions.

“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why schools across New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions this fall,” Governor Hochul said. “As we look ahead to the start of the school year, communication is key – and our new online resource is making it easier for parents and students to review their school’s plan.”

The remaining districts and schools yet to finalize their policy are expected to in the coming days at upcoming school board meetings scheduled for August. The State’s online resource will continue to be updated when any additional policies are published and submitted.

New York’s statewide standard includes:

1. Prohibiting unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
2. Allowing schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.
3. Securing $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
4. Requiring schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary.
5. Requiring teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy.
6. Preventing inequitable discipline.

The policy allows authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

Several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies are also included in the policy.