The Board of Education unanimously approved the Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy at a public meeting last week that bans smart phones and smart watches in all schools starting in September. The policy complies with the state’s new law that bans student internet-enabled devices in all K-12 schools.
The policy, also known as Distraction-Free Schools, was drafted by a Cell Phone Committee that included students, teachers, staff, parents and Board of Education members. The committee met numerous times during the 2024-25 school year to review related policies and procedures and visit 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.
A draft of the policy was presented to the Board of Education at its public meeting on June 25 by two Columbia students from the committee.
Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy
The policy prohibits the use of any internet-enabled electronic device such as smart phones or smart watches from the start of the school day to the end of the school day in all East Greenbush CSD schools.
The policy recognizes that many students have these devices and outlines how those devices should be stored during the school day, how enforcement will be handled at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and how parents/guardians can contact the school, if needed. View 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.
Students will be permitted to use their cell phones on school buses and after dismissal.
Expanding Improvements Realized at Goff Middle School
Howard L. Goff Middle School restricted personal electronic devices including smartphones and smartwatches starting in September 2023. The school has reported positive results since that time, including fewer behavior issues and a renewed focus on learning and social interaction.
The Cell Phone Committee and district administrators are optimistic that those same benefits could be realized across the district, once the policy takes effect in September.
Communication of Distraction-Free Schools Policy
More information about this policy and what it will look like for each school will be shared with staff, students and families throughout the summer so there can be a smooth transition on the first day of school. Distraction-Free Schools.
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 – Policy approved by Board of Education
- September 3, 2025 – Distraction-Free Schools law takes effect, banning internet-enabled personal electronic devices from bell to bell
Resources
- Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy
- Distraction-Free Learning Law (New York State)
- Podcast: New Cell Phone Policy
- FAQ: Distraction-Free Schools
- Parent Resources:
- Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens (Common Sense Media)
- 7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting (Family Online Safety Institute)
- Create a Family Media Plan (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Watch Discussion and Adoption of Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy