Policy 7316: Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

The District recognizes the importance of teaching students to regulate their use of technology and navigate digital tools responsibly. In accordance with state law, this policy outlines expectations for the use of personal internet-enabled devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, during the school day on school grounds.  Under Section 2803 of the New York State Education Law, this policy provides a safe and focused learning environment while allowing for appropriate access to technology under clearly defined circumstances. This policy applies to personal internet-enabled devices as defined below.  Internet-enabled devices provided by the School District are addressed in Policy 7315: Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Regarding Technology.  

Definitions

  • Internet-enabled devices include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other devices capable of connecting to the internet and accessing online content (e.g., social media apps).
  • The school day encompasses all instructional periods and includes non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, study halls, homeroom, and class transitions.
  • School grounds refer to all buildings, structures, fields, playgrounds, and properties owned or operated by the District.

Expectations for Students

  • In accordance with the District’s safety procedures and to ensure timely communication in the event of an emergency (including students reporting emergencies, students receiving critical safety updates, students sharing their location in an emergency, or students reuniting with parents/guardians), students are permitted to have internet-enabled devices at school.  However, to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment and to support swift emergency response protocols, students are permitted to keep such devices secured in their lockers, backpacks, or other personal storage such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop case, but out of sight throughout the school day, unless otherwise explicitly authorized by school personnel or as specified elsewhere in this policy.  This approach balances the need for immediate access to communication tools in case of an emergency with the District’s responsibility to preserve the integrity of instructional time and maintain a secure school environment.
  • When stored, internet-enabled devices must remain powered off or in silent mode and are not to be used or accessed unless permitted as specified in this policy.
  • High school students who are permitted to leave campus during the school day (e.g., for lunch, internships, or other approved activities) may be required to use their cell phones to scan onto and off of campus to establish their whereabouts in the event of an emergency.
  • Use of personal internet-enabled devices may be permitted by a faculty/staff member or administrator under the following circumstances:
    • Emergencies declared by school officials.
    • Healthcare needs, such as diabetic monitoring or emergency medical alerts.
    • Childcare responsibilities that require a student to serve as a caregiver.
    • Work commitments related to formal employment-related obligations.
    • Mental health accommodations that are explicitly required and documented in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
    • Instructional use, only when explicitly authorized by a teacher, staff member, or administrator for a specific activity.
    • Any other reasons required by law. 

Educating Students About Appropriate Use of Technology

Pursuant to this Policy and Policy 7315: Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Regarding Technology, K-12 students will be instructed in safe and appropriate uses of technology.  This instruction will emphasize topics such as balance and wellness related to technology use, digital privacy and security, managing a digital footprint, digital citizenship, and media literacy.  

The District expects parent partnership in emphasizing the importance of safe and appropriate uses of technology, both within and outside of school.  Students and their parents/guardians shall be required to read and acknowledge their review of this policy on an annual basis.  

Enforcement

This policy emphasizes the importance of teaching students about the safe and responsible use of technology.  

  • Violation(s) of this policy may include, but are not limited to, unauthorized use of an internet-enabled device on school grounds during the school day, recording or sharing digitally recorded content, or any other disruption or potential disruption of instruction related to the use of technology.  
  • Violation(s) may result in disciplinary consequences at the discretion of the principal and consistent with the District’s Code of Conduct.  Consequences imposed at the discretion of the principal may include, but are not limited to, a verbal or written warning, confiscation of internet-enabled devices, and/or prohibiting students from bringing internet-enabled devices onto school grounds.
  • While students may not be suspended from school where the sole reason is that the student accessed an internet-enabled device on a single occasion in violation this policy, a pattern of insubordination in violation of this policy and/or engaging in other misconduct while utilizing an internet-enabled device in violation of the Code of Conduct or Board of Education policy may result in discipline, up to and including suspension from school.  

Parent/Guardian Means to Reach Children During the School Day

Parents/guardians should contact the school’s main office for any urgent need to communicate with their children during the school day, or use other appropriate means to contact their children during the school day, as directed by the building principal.  

Annual Reporting and Policy Review

By August 1, 2025, this policy will be published on the District website and available in translated languages as required by law.  Beginning September 1, 2026, the District will publish an annual report on policy enforcement, including non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance, as well as an analysis of any demographic disparities in the enforcement of the policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, such report shall include a mitigation action plan.

This policy will be reviewed annually and revised as needed in response to legal updates, changing student needs, or stakeholder input.

See also: 7315: Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Regarding Technology

Adoption Date: July 8, 2025
Revised: August 13, 2025