Distraction Free Schools

Distraction Free-Schools: New NYS Policy on Internet-Enabled Devices to Begin in September

In May, Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a new “Distraction-Free Schools” policy with bell-to-bell restrictions on internet-enabled devices in schools. This new policy was codified in an amendment to New York State Education Law § 2803. As part of this new policy, each district is required to adopt and submit their own plans, which gives schools and districts “the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.” This new K-12 regulation takes effect on September 1, 2025, and will be in place on the first day of school for all William Floyd students on Tuesday, September 2.

On July 1, 2025, the district adopted the Policy 7316, “Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day” for all students K-12. 

Key points:

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 in these circumstances:

• If authorized by a teacher, principal or the district for a *specific educational purpose;

• Where necessary for the management of a student’s health care;

• In the event of an emergency;

• For translation services;

• 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;

• Where required by law.

Students must be permitted to use an internet-enabled device where the use is included in:

a)  an Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
b) a Section 504 Plan.

Additionally, students are expected to respect and abide by this new NYS policy and either store their phones in a designated on-site storage location (student lockers, designated storage bins, a secure location in a school’s main office, etc.), keep their internet-enabled devices put away while on campus, and comply when asked to do so by school or district staff.

Students K-12 who attempt to ignore this policy will be reminded of this new regulation and asked to put their internet-enabled devices away; and, if it continues, will progress to phone calls home and then referrals for appropriate consequences per the district Code of Conduct (insubordination).

Additional Questions and Answers
What are internet-enabled devices?
Internet-enabled devices are defined as any personal device capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content, including but not limited to smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other portable devices like some gaming systems. 

Can my child wear a smartwatch?
Yes, but the watch must be switched into “school mode” or “schooltime” based upon the type of watch. These settings block notifications and disable the use of all apps on your child’s smartwatch; it also silences ringtones and other sounds during specified times to ensure students focus on learning. In these types of school mode settings, students can use their smartwatch as a normal watch while parents can still have access to certain features such as location services. However, please note that if the device does not have a school-mode setting, it would fall under the same category as an internet-enabled device and treated the same as a cell phone, tablet, etc.

Will the district collect my child’s phone or other internet-enabled device upon school entry?
No. The district will not collect phones or other internet-enabled devices upon entry. However, the district expects students to respect this new regulation and store/keep their phones or any other internet-enabled devices away while on campus.

What and where are the on-site storage locations?
On-site storage locations may include lockers, designated storage bins, or a secure location in a school’s main office. Designated on-site storage areas must be easily accessible to students and have adequate security to ensure the safekeeping of student devices.

What about RFID (radio frequency identification) shielding paint to block internet signals?
The New York State Office of Facilities Planning does NOT recommend the use of RFID-blocking paint to prevent cell phone use as it could cause issues with first responders, emergency 911 access and other unintended consequences.

*What would be considered “use of devices authorized by teachers, principals or the district for a specific educational purpose?”

For example, students accessing their devices at the beginning of the school year for the purpose of accessing their class schedule is considered an authorized use as this has been the process for many years with regard to student schedules at the secondary level. However, students are encouraged (if possible) to print out their schedules at home and bring that to school.

If I need to contact my child throughout the day, how do I do that?
You may contact your child’s school main office and staff can relay a message to the student or call the student to the office to speak with a parent/guardian. School main office phone numbers are located on page two of the printed calendar or on the district website. Please navigate to www.wfsd.k12.ny.us and select “Schools” and then select the school your child attends. They are also listed below for your convenience.

WFHS: (631) 874-1120; Floyd Academy: (631) 874-1795; WFMS: (631) 874-5505; Paca: (631) 874-1414; Hobart: (631) 874-1296; Moriches: (631) 874-1398; Woodhull: (631) 874-1302; Tangier: (631) 874-1342; William Floyd Elementary: (631) 874-1257; and William Floyd Learning Center: (631) 874-1718.

We thank you and your child/children for your cooperation on this new NYS regulation and look forward to a productive, engaging and enriching school year.

Please click here to view the policy.