Beginning in September, William Floyd School District will implement a new policy restricting the use of internet-enabled devices for all K-12 students. This move follows a statewide initiative signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in May, which amended New York State Education Law § 2803 and requires all districts to adopt their own plans to limit distractions from devices during the school day.
The district’s Policy 7316, titled “Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day,” was adopted on July 1, 2025. The regulation will be in effect starting September 2, 2025, aligning with the first day of classes.
According to the policy, students are generally not allowed to use internet-enabled devices anywhere on school grounds during school hours. Exceptions are provided for specific circumstances: when authorized by a teacher or administrator for educational purposes, if needed for health care management, emergencies, translation services, or based on determinations made by designated school professionals regarding student caregivers. Device use is also permitted where required by law or as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
Students are expected to store their devices in secure locations such as lockers or designated bins and must comply with staff instructions regarding device storage. Repeated failure to follow these rules may lead to reminders, parental contact, and disciplinary action as outlined in the district’s Code of Conduct.
Internet-enabled devices include smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and certain portable gaming systems. Students may wear smartwatches but must activate “school mode” settings that block notifications and apps while allowing parents access to location features.
The district clarified it will not collect phones or other devices upon entry but expects compliance with storage requirements throughout the day. Storage locations will be accessible and secure within each school building.
In response to questions about blocking cell phone signals using RFID-shielding paint, the New York State Office of Facilities Planning does not recommend this method due to potential risks for emergency communications. More details are available in a memo from the Office of Facilities Planning describing concerns over using RFID-blocking paint: https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/capital-facilities/rfid-shielding-paint-cellular-service-memo.pdf
For instances where device use is necessary for educational purposes—such as accessing class schedules at the start of the year—students may be permitted access under supervision. However, printing schedules at home is encouraged when possible.
Parents needing to contact their children during the school day can do so through each school's main office rather than directly calling student devices. Contact numbers are available both in printed materials and on the district website at www.wfsd.k12.ny.us.
The district expressed appreciation for community cooperation as it prepares for implementation of these changes aimed at creating distraction-free learning environments.
Policy documents can be accessed via PDF or through a web version translatable into multiple languages:
Website version (translatable): https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/wfsd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CYH4WL66A53D