Governor Hochul launches website detailing policies for banning cellphone use in schools
In a significant move aimed at minimising distractions during the school day, all public K-12 schools in New York are now required to enforce a statewide "bell-to-bell" smartphone restriction, prohibiting the use of personal internet-enabled devices1. While the law sets the groundwork, individual schools have the flexibility to develop their own specific enforcement plans2.
FingerLakes1.com, the region's leading all-digital news publication, has been at the forefront of keeping residents informed about this development for more than two decades5.
Schools across the state are implementing various strategies to enforce the smartphone restrictions. Some are using collection pouches or secure bins, while others are storing devices in the main office5. The collection and storage process typically involves students depositing their phones at the start of the day into secure options customised to their school buildings5. Devices are usually returned at the end of the day or during the last class, and in some schools, phone return is linked to attendance5.
Staff monitor compliance during the day, and violations can lead to disciplinary actions and parental contact5. It's worth noting that the restrictions have exemptions for medical needs, Individualised Education Programs (IEPs), emergencies, and school-issued devices3.
Schools are also required to create their own storage and enforcement plans in consultation with teachers, parents, and students, and they must be mindful to prevent inequitable discipline2. Additionally, policies must ensure parents can contact students if necessary during the day2.
A statewide fund of approximately $13.5 million is available to support schools in purchasing storage solutions to comply effectively with the policy14.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a new website, ny.gov/phonefree, to provide information on how individual New York schools will enforce the state's new smartphone restrictions this fall6.
Residents can send leads to [email protected], the company that has been providing news without specifying the medium for more than two decades4. FingerLakes1.com was founded in 19984.
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