BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As summer unfolds, school districts across New York are preparing for the implementation of the bell-to-bell cellphone ban, set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.
When the school year begins in the fall, New York will become the largest state in the U.S. with a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones and other internet-enabled devices in K-12 schools. The ban applies to all schools statewide in public school districts, in addition to charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).
The governor's office said New York School districts must finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by August 1, "so it is visible to the district’s community of students, parents and other key stakeholders." You can read more about the ban here.
The state has launched a website to provide resources to the districts as they prepare to implement the bell-to-bell cellphone ban policy. You can find the website here.
The Cuba-Rushford Central School District announced its policy on Wednesday, prohibiting cell phone use during the school day.
In a letter to families, the district outlined expectations and guidelines regarding the new policy. The school encouraged parents and caregivers to start discussions with their children about the upcoming changes.
Licensed therapist Keith Klostermann emphasized the importance of these conversations.
“I think it’s such an important topic and an important conversation to have,” he said.
Klostermann noted that it’s crucial for students to understand what the new restrictions entail and how they will affect daily routines.
“It’s important for kids to recognize that there will be restrictions on their cellphone use, and what that means to them on a day-to-day basis,” he explained.
He highlighted critical questions for students to consider, such as when they will have access to their phones, how emergencies will be handled, and the consequences for not adhering to the policy.
The shift in cellphone use policy may impact students differently.
"I think some kids may use their technology as a way to socialize; they may use it as a way to cope,” Klostermann said. “It may force some kids to have to socialize more than they have been or to socialize in a different way."
To facilitate a smooth transition, Klostermann advised parents not to have these conversations in a rush but instead to set aside dedicated time. He suggested explaining the reasons behind the new restrictions and how schools believe students will ultimately benefit from them.
“I think just being really clear and transparent about it matters,” Klostermann said
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