Distraction-Free Schools

Distration Free Schools imageAll cell phones and internet-enabled personal electronic devices will be prohibited during the school day for K-12 students starting in September 2025. The new Students and Personal Electronic Devices Policy, also known as Distraction-Free Schools, complies with New York State law and will create a more focused and engaged learning environment free from distractions.

The policy was developed by a Cell Phone Committee formed in Fall 2024.

Cell Phone Committee

The Cell Phone Committee included students, teachers, staff, parents, and Board of Education members. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, the committee thoroughly researched the issue, reviewing existing policies and visiting schools that have already implemented phone-free environments. View Committee.

Distraction-Free Schools Policy

The policy recognizes that many students have smartphones and smartwatches 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.

New York State Law

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.

Expanding Improvements Realized at Goff Middle School

Howard L. Goff Middle School restricted personal electronic devices including smartphones and smartwatches in September 2023. The school has reported positive results since that point, 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.

Video: Local middle school’s cell phone policy shows promising results (WNYT)

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, making all K-12 schools phone-free learning environments from bell to bell

Distraction-Free Schools Video Presentation

The East Greenbush Central School District recorded a Distraction-Free Schools presentation in advance of the new school year so all students and families are aware of the new state law and how it will be implemented in East Greenbush schools.

The presentation provides an overview of the new Distraction-Free Schools policy, how it complies with state law, research conducted by the district’s cell phone committee, and procedures at each school level.

Resources

Videos