Board Policy 7316: Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices
Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature enacted Education Law §2803, also known as the “Distraction-Free Schools” law. This new law prohibits students in grades K–12 from using “personal internet-enabled devices”, such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and personal laptops, during the entire school day. This includes both instructional and non-instructional times such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study hall, and passage time between classes.
In response, our Board of Education has formally adopted an updated Acceptable Use Policy to meet the new legislative requirements and support our students in remaining focused, safe, and engaged throughout the day. District-issued Chromebooks or computers are not affected by this law and will continue to be used for instructional purposes.
What does this mean for Hicksville Students?
Beginning on the first day of school, students will be expected to follow a “Bell-to-Bell” policy, meaning no use of personal internet-enabled devices from the start to the end of the school day.
Here’s how this will look by grade level:
Elementary Schools (Grades K–5):
Students are to leave personal devices at home. If a student is seen using a device, it will be confiscated by the teacher and returned at the end of the school day. If the device continues to come to school, it will be taken to the main office for storage and then picked up by parents/guardians.
Middle School (Grades 6–8):
Students are to leave personal devices at home. If a student is seen using a device, they must power off the device and store it in their locker for the entire school day. Devices may not be accessed during passing time or lunch. Repeated offenses will result in the device being stored in the main office and require a parent/guardian to pick up the device.
High School (Grades 9–12):
All personal internet-enabled devices must be powered off and secured in lockers from arrival until dismissal. Devices may not be accessed during passing time or lunch. Repeated offenses will result in the device being stored in the main office and then picked up by parents/guardians.
Supporting Communication
We know that staying connected during the day is important. Here are the ways families and students can stay in touch:
1. To reach your child during the school day, please call the school’s main office, our staff will ensure that urgent messages are delivered.
2. Students who need to contact a parent or guardian during the day may request to use a school phone in the main office.
3. We are also working on securing email communication between secondary students and families via their school-issued email accounts. Students will be able to email the addresses listed in PowerSchool for their guardians/parents. More information will be shared as we move forward.
There are limited, state-approved exceptions to this policy, including:
• When authorized by a teacher or principal for a specific educational purpose
• When required as part of a student’s IEP or 504 Plan
• For translation purposes
• For caregiving students with verified responsibilities, as determined by the school principal.
• When necessary for healthcare management (e.g.,diabetes monitoring apps)
Enforcement
Students who do not follow the new policy may have their devices confiscated and held in the main office for pick-up, per the guidelines in our district’s Acceptable Use Policy. Staff and faculty are responsible for helping ensure consistency and fairness in enforcement.
August 18, 2025: Notification sent to students, families and staff
District-Wide Notice Internet Enabled Device Policy.pdf