New York State Governor Hochul has signed legislation into law aimed at establishing a statewide standard for distraction-free school environments. The details of the Governor’s bell-to-bell statewide policy to ban cell phone usage in public and charter schools can be viewed here. In response, HFM BOCES has taken steps to align with these new standards.
At the Regular Board of Education Meeting held on July 30, 2025, the Board of Education approved a new policy (#7208 – Student Use of Internet Enabled Devices) on the use of Internet-enabled devices during the school day.
“Internet-enabled devices” means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch or other device capable of connecting to the Internet.
Students are generally prohibited from using Internet-enabled devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds, though a limited number of education- and health and safety-related exceptions may be allowed.
