As August approaches, school districts across New York State will have to have policies in place to adhere to the new cell phone law.

In May, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the distraction-free law will take effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year.

The state law requires bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. The requirement also applies to charter schools as well as Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).

“New York was the first state to target addictive social media feeds — and now we’re the largest state to restrict smartphones in schools throughout the entire school day,” Hochul said in a press release. “I know our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling — and that’s why New York continues to lead the nation on protecting our kids in the digital age.”

Hochul’s cellphone law also 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; 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; and Prevents inequitable discipline.

Hochul’s policy also clarifies that students would still be authorized to have access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

Some area schools are already being proactive and have updated their policies.

The Southwestern Central School District has posted on its website, swcsk12.org, information regarding the new law.

“We’re committed to creating the best learning environment for all students–and that includes minimizing distractions. This spring, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the ‘Bell-to-Bell’ Cellphone Ban into law as part of New York State’s new Distraction-Free School Law,” a pop-up ad reads on the district’s landing page. “To help families stay informed and prepared, we’ve launched a Cell Phone Ban Information Page on our website with everything you need to know about the new policy, how it supports student success, and what to expect this school year.”

In that pop-ad, there is a link to the district’s cellphone policy page. The district adopted the policy on June 24.

“The District consulted with local stakeholders including employee organizations representing each bargaining

unit, parents, and students 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,” the SWCS policy stated.

In Randolph, the school board also has adopted a similar policy.

“We created a board policy that meets all of the requirements set forth in the (state) law,” Randolph Superintendent Kane Kelly said.

Previously, in Jamestown, the school board, at its July 8 reorganizational meeting, conducted a first reading of the students and personal electronics devices policy.

“We’ve surveyed various constituents, and we’ll continue to do that and get feedback on our plan moving forward,” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said of the electronic devices policy.

Whitaker said that no cell phones are allowed in the elementary and middle schools while at JHS, there are some different processes in place that are not uncommon or different from other schools.