ALBANY, NY (607NewsNow) – The state is providing clarity on a new public-school rule.
With the upcoming academic year just a couple of weeks away, some parents are wondering how the new bell-to-bell smartphone ban will be enforced in their child’s school district.
On August 14, Governor Hochul launched a website that provides access to each school’s policy.
“Our kids succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling, and that’s why schools across New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions this fall,” Hochul said. “As we look ahead to the start of the school year, communication is key, and our online resource is making it easier for parents and students to review their school’s plan.”
The database at ny.gov/phonefree is searchable by school name, school type, or county. Roughly 96% of all schools are in the system, and the remainder are expected to upload their policies in the days ahead.
Students will be allowed to carry cell phones without internet capability, as well as devices provided for classroom instruction. Additionally, the provisions of Hochul’s policy include exemptions for students who require access to internet-enabled devices to manage a medical condition, students with an Individualized Education Program, translation, family caregiving, and emergencies.
The bell-to-bell ban was signed into law in May. New York, the largest state in the union with such a ban, joins 25 other states with restrictive cell phone policies.
