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BCSD Comprehensive Electronic Device Policy

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NYS's Distraction-Free School Zone Policy will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year.

Update from Superintendent Sean C. Bruno:

I’m reaching out to share an update regarding NYS Distraction-Free School law and our Internet Enabled Devices Policy. First, we thank you for your support, patience and understanding implementing this new law. While there are understandably differing opinions regarding the law, it has been encouraging to see the positive impact already taking shape. Our students are more engaged in their learning and more social in hallways and cafeterias during lunches. We are especially proud to share that over 98% of our students are meeting expectations and doing an outstanding job!

As with any new initiative, the first few weeks have also highlighted opportunities for improvement. Some of the initial language in the law was vague and created confusion. To increase transparency and consistency, we are refining our policy language by moving from the term, “Internet Enabled Device” to “Personal Electronic Device.”

At this point, the law’s directive is clear and must be applied consistently across our schools. As a reminder, the general expectations for devices are outlined below. Each school principal has also communicated school-specific details, including developmentally and age-appropriate consequences for violations.

  • Grades PreK–5:
    If students bring personal electronic devices to school, power off their personal electronic devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Personal electronic devices must be securely stored in designated classroom cubbies or lockers, as determined by each school.
  • Grades 6–12:
    Students must power off their personal electronic devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Personal electronic devices must be securely stored in lockers or bookbags and may not be accessed until dismissal.

Thank you, 
Sean
 C. Bruno

Policy #7316 - Use of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day

  • 7316 – Use of Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day

    Last Reviewed Date: 09/16/2025

    Adoption Date: 08/05/2025

    Revision History: 08/05/2025, 09/16/2025

    The District, in consultation with local stakeholders, has established this policy to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices by students during the school day while on school grounds. The intent of this policy is to promote a distraction-free learning environment and to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities so they may reach their fullest  potentials. This prohibition applies during the school day.

    For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

    "Internet and non-internet enabled personal electronic devices" means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, cellphone, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet texting, and calling , including social media applications; Personal electronic devices do not include:

    • Devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.

    "School day" means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

    "School grounds" means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.

    Students are generally prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day anywhere on school grounds.

    However, students may be authorized to use a personal electronic device during the school day on school grounds:

    • If authorized by a teacher, principal, or the District for a specific educational purpose;
    • Where necessary for the management of a student's health care; 
    • In the event of an emergency; 
    • For translation services;
    • On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor for a student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member;
    • Where required by law.

    Students must be permitted to use a personal electronic device where the use is included in the student's:

    • Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
    • Section 504 Plan.

    On-Site Storage of personal electronic Devices Including Cell Phones

    • Grades PreK–5:
      If students bring personal devices to school, power off their personal devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Devices must be securely stored in designated areas as determined by each school.
    • Grades 6–12:
      Students must power off their personal devices or place them in airplane mode before the start of the school day. Devices must be securely stored in designated areas as determined by each school. All students prek-12 must store their personal electronic devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day. The designated on-site storage areas must be easily accessible to students and provide adequate security to ensure the safekeeping of the student's devices. The District will communicate the procedures for storing and retrieving devices, ensuring that students understand their responsibilities in using the on-site storage facilities provided.

    Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day

    To accommodate necessary communication, parents or persons in parental relation may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours while adhering to this policy:

    1. Contact the school’s main office directly for urgent or time-sensitive matters.
    1. Stay informed through ParentSquare, the district’s primary and most dependable communication platform. Real-time updates are delivered via the app, text message, and email.
    1. District social media accounts may be used to share additional updates, especially during emergencies, but should not be relied upon as the primary source.

    While parents may understandably feel apprehensive about not being able to immediately contact their child during an emergency, the safest course of action is for students to remain fully attentive to the directions of teachers and administrators. As soon as everyone is safe, students will be provided with the opportunity to contact parents on their personal devices.

    Parents and persons in parental relation will be notified in writing of the methods that are available for contacting their student during school hours upon enrollment and at the beginning of each school year.

    Student Discipline for Accessing Personal Electronic Devices During the School Day

    The District is prohibited from suspending a student solely for accessing personal electronic devices in violation of this policy.

    Policy References:

    Education Law Section 2803