Distraction Free Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing?

Beginning in September 2025, students will no longer be able to use smartphones, smart watches, and other personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. These devices must be powered off and stored in designated locations or left home.

Why are schools implementing this change?

All school districts in New York State are now required by law to enact a bell-to-bell smartphone ban, which was enacted as part of the state's 2025 fiscal year budget. You can read more on the Governor’s website.

What is the goal of this initiative?

The goal of the Governor’s initiative is to foster a distraction-free learning environment and to address mental health concerns associated with excessive cell phone usage.

What defines the school day?

The school day includes the entire portion of the day between first bell (arrival) and last bell (dismissal). This includes transition time, lunch, and restroom breaks.

Who does this apply to?

This restriction applies to all Gr. K-12 Ken-Ton School District students.

What devices are included in this restriction?

For now, the restriction includes any personal device that can connect to the internet including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, etc. As communication technology continues to change, other devices may be included as well.

What happens if a student violates this requirement?

For the first offense, the device will need to be handed in, parents/guardians will be notified, the student will be given a warning, and the student will be able to retrieve his/her device at the end of the day. For subsequent offenses, progressive discipline will be implemented.

What if a student refuses to hand over his/her smartphone?

As always, students are expected to adhere to directives given by school staff. Failure to do so results in consequences in accordance with the district's Code of Conduct.

Can students use smartphones before and after school or on school buses?

Students are able to use smartphones before the first bell (arrival) and after the last bell (dismissal), including on buses. Students are not able to use smartphones on buses during the school day (such as during a field trip).

Are there exceptions to this rule?

Students who have documented medical conditions or special education plans that require smartphone access will have a differentiated plan in place to meet their needs with sufficient documentation, approval, and verification if no other alternatives are available.

What if students need to communicate with families during the school day?

Students can communicate with families before and after school. In the event of an urgent matter which requires immediate communication during the school day, students can make phone calls from the main office.

What if families need to communicate with students during the school day?

Families can contact the main office which will assist in getting a message to that student. Students will also have the opportunity to see messages from families at the end of the day before leaving the building. Gr. 5-12 families can also communicate with their child via Canvas.

Can I communicate with my child via his or her student email account?

For safety/security purposes, families are not able to send emails to student email accounts.

Will teachers and staff members be able to use smartphones during the school day?

The restriction only applies to students, though teachers and staff members are always expected to model good behaviors for students.

How will students contact authorities in the event of an emergency?

Students should immediately contact a teacher, staff member, or administrator in the event of an emergency.

How will families remain informed in the event of an emergency or other serious situation?

The school and district will continue to provide timely, detailed information to families via text message, robocalls, email, Parent Portal notifications, and the district website.

How will schools handle BOCES students?

Senior BOCES students (who come to school later in the afternoon) will turn in their cell phones in an alternate location and have the opportunity to retrieve them before leaving the building. Junior BOCES students (who come to school in the morning) will turn in their cell phones at an alternate location after arriving at school and will retrieve them before boarding the bus to BOCES.  

How will schools handle students participating in senior privilege?

Seniors with senior privilege will have an alternate location to turn in their phones and retrieve them before leaving the building.

How will schools handle students who are arriving late or leaving school early?

If students come to school late, but arrive before the end of 1st period, they will turn in their phones in at their 1st period class like all other students and retrieve their phone at the end of the day. If students come to school after 1st period has ended, they will turn in their phones in an alternate location and retrieve them at the end of the day. Students who need to leave early will report to the attendance office in the morning with their note. They will turn in their phone in an alternate location and retrieve it when leaving.

How will schools be training/preparing students for this change?

All students will be trained on these new procedures during opening days with class meetings.

My child wants to wear an Apple watch to school every day. Will he/she have to remove the watch in school?

Yes, Apple watches are internet-enabled devices and will need to be placed in secure storage during the school day.  

How can I as a parent support the school during these new procedures?

Talk to your child about the new policy and reinforce that school is a place for learning and connection—not screen time. Help them understand the "why" behind the rule: fewer distractions, better focus, and improved well-being. Tip: Create similar phone-free expectations at home during homework, meals, or bedtime to model consistency. Let your child know that you support the school’s policy and the adults enforcing it. When students hear mixed messages, it can undermine implementation. Also, encourage your child to keep devices at home when practicable.

What happens if my child forgets his/her device at school in the locked storage? Can they return to school or do they need to wait until the next day?

Students will need to be responsible for retrieving their cell phones. We understand there may be a schedule change or other circumstances that could prevent students from retrieving their devices. If possible, accommodations could be made while the school building is open.

How will the school safeguard students’ phones?

Students will be depositing/retrieving their phones at once from a secure container with their classmates under the supervision of a teacher. Each student will have an individual storage area within this container which will be locked at all other times. The classroom will either be occupied or locked when vacant for the entirety of the school day.

I wish to request an exemption. How can I do this?

Please speak with your child's school-based provider (e.g. counselor, social worker, etc.)