Bell-to-bell phone ban: phones stored all school day

What happened

Under the New York State bell-to-bell law, students may not have phones, tablets or smartwatches in their hands from arrival until the end of the school day. Devices must be turned off and kept in a district-designated space. Only district devices may be used for learning.

Why it matters to families

The rule covers lunch, recess, passing time and class for every grade. Parents can still call the school to reach a child, and students can contact a parent in an emergency.

The evidence

A district video states the ban applies to all school activities including lunch, recess, free periods and passing time, and that it is added to the code of conduct. The policy manual index lists policy 5695, Students and Personal Electronic Devices.

The source