Committee Presents Proposed Personal Electronic Policy to Comply with Statewide Ban of Cell Phones in Schools

Jul 8, 2025 | Bell Top, Columbia, District, Genet, Goff, Green Meadow, Pre-K, Red Mill, Sutherland

Two Columbia High School students Mariam Conteh ’27 and Manyata Madan ’26 presented a proposed personal electronic device policy on behalf of the Cell Phone Committee to the Board of Education at its public meeting on June 25. The presentation focused on meeting New York State’s new law that bans all student personal electronic devices in schools starting in September.

Ms. Conteh and Ms. Madan presented the committee’s work to the board and what the policy would look like in the East Greenbush Central School District next school year.

The committee, which includes students, teachers, staff, Board of Education members and parents, formed in Fall 2024 to review current policies and procedures and if cell phones and other personal electronic devices should be restricted at Columbia.

The committee met numerous times during the 2024-25 school year and visited local schools that have already implemented cell phone bans. Some committee members also attended a statewide conference to explore the effects of cell phones, social media and technology addiction.

On May 6, 2025, Governor Hochul announced a statewide ban of smartphones from bell to bell in all K-12 schools starting in September 2025. The law includes:

  • No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
  • Allows 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.
  • Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free.
  • Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary.
  • Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy.
  • Prevents inequitable discipline.

The proposed personal electronic policy will be implemented in different ways based on the age of students. The district’s administrative team, including all school principals, have reviewed the draft policy.

  • Columbia – Each student will be provided with a Yondr pouch that secures their phone so it cannot be used during the school day. Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff. The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.
  • Goff – No change to current policy. Students must keep their cell phones and other personal electronic devices stored in their locker during the school day.
  • Elementary Schools – If students have a cell phone or personal electronic device, it needs to be kept in their backpacks or left at home during the school day.

The Board of Education will review the proposed policy and may vote on it at its public meeting on July 9.

Any students, staff, parents or community members are invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the policy or provide feedback.

Timeline

  • September 2023 – Howard L. Goff Middle School bans cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day
  • September 2024 – Columbia Cell Phone Committee formed
  • January 2025 – Governor Hochul announces plan to restrict smartphone use in all K-12 schools
  • May 6, 2025 – New York State approves statewide ban of cell phones and other internet-enabled personal electronic devices in schools
  • June 25, 2025 – Presentation of draft Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy to Board of Education
  • July 9, 2025 – Second reading of draft policy at Board of Education meeting
  • September 3, 2025 – Distraction Free Schools law takes effect, banning internet-enabled personal electronic devices from bell to bell

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