The new New York State "Bell-to-Bell” cell phone and personal internet enabled devices ban in schools is now in effect. 

The law, part of the state’s recently passed 2025-26 fiscal year budget, is intended to reduce distractions, promote learning and support student well-being in the school environment. 

This means no personal electronic devices are now allowed in student hands for the entire school day. This includes all school activities, including class time, lunch, free periods and passage time between classes.   

This new law also includes a ban on the use of student personal phones, tablets and smart watches. School-issued devices are exempt from this policy, and will not impede the appropriate use of technology in the classroom.

The Minisink Valley Board of Education adopted the district's Student Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Devices Ban Policy at its Aug. 7 meeting. This policy addresses how the law will be enforced in all buildings, as well as exemptions and exceptions. Please note that students with IEPs or 504 plans that require device use and those managing medical conditions will be exempt from the state law. 

Minisink Valley School District Student Cell Phone and Internet-Enabled Device Policy

Why is this new policy being implemented?

Effective with the start of the school year, New York State law now requires a bell-to-bell cell cell phone and internet-enabled device ban for students. 

We understand the mandates of the new law are a significant change in what was previously acceptable practice for high school students during the school day. In contrast, our K-8 students have never been allowed to have the use of cell phones during the school day.  However, this new law supports our goal of having students be fully present in their learning, building resilience and interpersonal connections, protecting their mental health and minimizing --- if not possibly eliminating --- behavioral and related Code of Conduct issues tied to social media usage.  

•  Click here: New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law

Please note: this Policy doesn’t apply to school-issued devices and will not impede upon the appropriate use of technology in the classroom. 

Does the district have to comply? 
Yes, it’s now New York State law.

What devices are included in this ban?
All personal internet-enabled electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches and tablets, are included. 

Where will students store their devices? 

• Elementary (PreK-Grade 5): At the elementary school level, students are discouraged from bringing devices to school.  Any device that is brought to school must be silenced and kept in the student’s backpack or personal cubby/locker.

• Secondary (Grades 6-12): Internet-enabled devices and other electronic devices must be turned off and stored in lockers with locks during the school day while on school district property.  No use of these devices is permitted during the school day.

What if a student needs to contact a parent during the school day?
Students may use the telephone in their school’s main office, as they’ve always been allowed to do and which many of us remember as being common practice years back.  We understand privacy concerns and our staff will provide support to help students feel comfortable making necessary calls.

What if a parent needs to contact his/her student during the school day?
Likewise, parents can call the main office of their student’s school and leave a message, also as they’ve always been allowed to do and, again, was always common practice prior to the growth of cell phone usage.   

Can students use their cell phones or other personal devices during their lunch periods or study halls?
No. The mandate is “bell-to-bell,” meaning for the duration of the school day, which includes lunch periods and study halls.

Does the ban apply during bus rides and after school?
No. Students will have access to their devices on bus rides or during after school activities.

What happens if a student doesn’t comply? What are the consequences?
The Code of Conduct will include disciplinary infractions related to possession and use of internet-enabled devices. Some uses of personal electronic devices may constitute a violation of the District Code of Conduct or other district policies, and in some instances, the law. The district will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate. A student will not be suspended solely for accessing an internet-enabled device in violation of this policy.  Students may, however, be suspended for the inappropriate use of such devices (such as threatening, vulgar or sexual messages), the use of these devices as weapons, or for violation of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Enforcement of this policy is chiefly the responsibility of building administration; however, all staff and other employees are expected to assist in enforcement. Students will be reminded of this policy regularly and consistently, especially at the start of the school year and after returning from breaks.

Administrators will also discuss the aims of this policy with students and their parents/guardians, the benefits of a distraction-free environment, the reasons the student had difficulty following this policy, and how the district can help the student contribute to a distraction-free environment.

If a student continues to violate this policy, the student will be considered as insubordinate and subject to consequences in accordance with the District Code of Conduct, which may include detention, loss of privileges (such as extracurricular activities, sports, participation in dances, the prom, other privilege events), and suspension from school. Disciplinary measures will be applied fairly and equitably across student demographics.

Are there any exemptions?
Students may use internet-enabled devices during the school day for the following non-instructional purposes:

When necessary for the management of a student’s documented healthcare needs, upon receipt of documentation from an appropriate medical professional, and approval by the district medical director.

• In the event of an emergency with permission of an administrator.

•   For educationally necessary translation services for ENL students.

• On a case-by-case basis with prior approval of the district, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for communication regarding caregiving responsibilities, for a student who is routinely responsible for a family member’s care and well-being.

•   When otherwise required by law, such as when such use is required as a necessary accommodation by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan.

For students with exceptions under this policy, the district will examine alternative ways to achieve the purpose of the exception, including different storage or access provisions.

 If an exception has been granted, personal devices may only be used by the student granted the exception and only for the purposes outlined in the exception, and the device must be silenced and stored when not in use.

Thank you for your support and continued partnership in the education of your children.