Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices Prohibited During School

Posted on by NFischetti

In accordance with a new law initiated by Governor Hochul and passed by the NY State Legislature, all students are prohibited from using smartphones and internet-enabled devices in all schools across New York State, beginning the first day of school in September.  As required by the law, Western Suffolk BOCES Policy 7316 Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day (see below) outlines how the law will impact Western Suffolk BOCES and Wilson Tech instructional programs.

To support this new law, families are asked to encourage children to leave internet-enabled devices (for example, cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and air pods) at home. In the event that a student brings an internet-enabled device to school, the student will be required to store that device in a designated area for the entirety of the instructional day.

Should family members wish to contact their child during the school day, they may call the main office of their child’s school. Those numbers are as follows:

  • JEA Elementary Main Campus (631) 254-0094
  • JEA Elementary @ Chestnut Hill Elementary (631) 242-5560
  • JEA Elementary @ Forest Avenue Elementary (631) 254-0094
  • JEA Jr./Sr. High School (631) 549-5580
  • Brennan Middle/High School (631) 491-4390
  • Manor Plains High School (631) 754-2900
  • JEA Alternative School (631) 586-1300
  • Wilson Tech Dix Hills (631) 667-6000
  • Wilson Tech Huntington Campus (631) 754-2900
  • Wilson Tech Northport Campus (631) 261-3600 x 200
  • Wilson Tech Republic Airport Campus (631) 752-1957

Questions regarding the implementation of this policy should be directed to the school’s principal.

WESTERN SUFFOLK BOCES POLICY 7173:
USE OF INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY        

Western Suffolk BOCES consulted with stakeholders to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  1. a) “Internet-enabled devices” means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications;

“Internet-enabled devices” does not include:

  1. Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet; or
  2. Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.
  3. b) “School day” means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
  4. c) “School grounds” means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a BOCES facility.

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:

  1. a) If authorized by a teacher, principal, or agency for a specific educational purpose;
  2. b) Where necessary for the management of a student’s health care;
  3. c) In the event of an emergency;
  4. d) For translation services;
  5. e) 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; or
  6. f) Where required by law.

Students must be permitted to use an Internet-enabled device where the use is included in the student’s:

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

On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones

  • Students are discouraged from bringing their personal devices to school. If students do bring devices to school, they must store their Internet-enabled devices in designated storage areas during the school day.
  • Students attending elementary programs will store devices in their backpacks, which will be placed in the area designated by their program administrator.
  • Students attending special education secondary programs will store their devices in their homeroom classrooms or lockers, according to the program they attend.
  • Wilson Tech students will store their devices in lockers in their building or classroom, according to their program.

Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day

To accommodate necessary communication, parents or persons in parental relation may call the school’s main office, and the office staff can relay messages to the student or call the student to the office to speak with their parent or person in parental relation.

Enforcement and Consequences

Western Suffolk BOCES is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing internet-enabled devices in violation of this policy. However, some uses of personal electronic devices or refusal to adhere to this policy will constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct or other district policies, and in some instances, the law.

Posting of Policy

Western Suffolk BOCES will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website. Translations of the policy into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided upon request by a student or other persons in parental relation to a student.

Reporting

Beginning September 1, 2026 and annually thereafter, Western Suffolk BOCES will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy within the BOCES in the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.

 

 

Education Law Section 2803