Frequently Asked Questions: Policy for Personal Internet-Enabled Devices 

In May 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced the “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools,” initiative, mandating public schools to enforce "bell-to-bell" smartphone restrictions during school hours to eliminate distractions.

The New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law requires districts to adopt policies prohibiting all personal internet-enabled devices, effective this school year. The Baldwin Union Free School District must comply by restricting the use of such personal devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, during the entire school day, including non-instructional periods (e.g., lunch). School districts that fail to comply will face state oversight and potential loss of funding.

Schools were required to have the policy implemented by August 1, 2025.

• The main objective is to protect youth mental health and promote student success by reducing distractions and promoting in-person interactions.
• The restriction  aims to create a "distraction-free" school environment, where students can focus on learning and engaging with their peers and teachers. 
• This legislation recognizes that 95% of American teenagers own smartphones and receive an average of 250 notifications daily, which can negatively affect their attention spans, information retention, and overall energy levels in educational environments.

The restriction prohibits the use of ALL internet-enabled devices anywhere on school grounds during the school day (bell to bell), including but not limited to:

• smartphones
• personal tablets
• personal laptops
• Google smart glasses
• Smartwatches and other similar devices
• AirPods and headphones

The restriction goes into effect for the 2025-2026 school year. 

As a reminder, the Baldwin Union Free School District has already upheld a strict cell phone policy for the past several years. Cell phones have been completely prohibited for grades K-8 and restricted during class time for grades 9-12. This is now an official law.

Beginning the 2025-2026, Baldwin High School must extend the cell phone restriction to all personal internet-enabled devices during non-instructional periods, including:

• Lunch periods spent on the Baldwin campus
• Between classes, during transition

Only district-issued devices, such as Chromebooks, will be permitted during the school day.

Please note and speak to your child(ren) about the following adjustments to our current cell phone policy that must be implemented this school year:

• Elementary Schools: Just as it has always been, students cannot bring personal internet-enabled devices to schools.
• Baldwin Middle School: Students must store all personal devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, air pods, headphones, and laptops—in their lockers for the entire school day.
• Baldwin High School and Baldwin High School@Shubert: Students will be issued Yondr pouches, which are secure, lockable pouches designed to create phone-free environments. Specific procedures are being finalized and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Schools are required to provide a way for parents to reach their children during the day when necessary. As always, families may call the school’s Main Office or nurse’s office. At the secondary level, each department and the guidance office also have dedicated phone lines for timely communication.

Non-instructional periods include:

• Homeroom
• Lunch periods spent on the school grounds
• Passing time, between classes, during transition
• Study hall
• Recess

It is a state law. Failure to comply can lead to state oversight of the district and potential loss of funding.

We recognize that this is a significant shift, particularly at the high school level, and we are committed to supporting students and families as we implement these changes.

Your partnership is essential in helping us maintain a focused and respectful learning environment, free from unnecessary digital distractions. Some ways you can help prepare your child(ren):

• Discuss the new policy with your child to clarify expectations before the start of the school year.
• Begin reducing screen time by 30 minutes weekly.
• Store devices out of sight to reduce distractions.
• Introduce daily device-free time and create "screen-free zones" at home.
• Use traditional alarms and wrist watches to minimize the need for device checking.
• Commit to tech-free activities during meals and family time.
• Encourage a consistent bedtime routine with a screen-free hour.
• Involve your child(ren) by setting screen-free goals and encouraging them to develop a list of tech-free activities they enjoy, such as walking or reading.
• Promote engagement in arts, sports, or mindfulness practices.

Helpful FREE Tools

• Qustodio: Baldwin UFSD families have free access to Qustodio—an app that allows parents/guardians to set up time limits, website filters, and screen-free periods. Families can add up to one free personal device per child. Visit www.baldwinschools.org/qustodio to learn more about this service and how to sign up before the start of the school year.
• Apple Screen Time: Integrated privacy and screen time controls for Apple devices, including iPhones
• Google Family Link: Set daily time limits, app time limits, and location tracking for Android and iOS (Apple) devices

New York State Distraction-Free Schools Law >> 
Includes law overview and definitions

Official Announcement from New York State >>