Letter from Dr. Wool on Student Use of Intent-Enabled Devices at School

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Dr. Wool's Letter

Parent FAQ

Parent Resources

Research Bibliography

Policy 7316

Letter from Dr. Wool on Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices at School

Dear Harrison Families,

Beginning September 1, 2025, New York State law requires K–12 public schools to restrict students’ use of personal internet-enabled devices (smartphones, smartwatches, tablets) during the school day, including lunch, free periods, and passing times. The law replaces any local policies previously in place.

The law aims to minimize distractions, but it does not fully reflect the reality that technology is deeply embedded in students’ lives, nor does it provide the flexibility needed to address school safety. A missed opportunity is its one-size-fits-all approach — treating kindergartners the same as high school seniors — rather than recognizing that age-appropriate flexibility would better support learning, safety, and developmental needs.

In Harrison, we are committed to a distraction-free learning environment while also using technology to keep students safe and to prepare them to use digital tools ethically, responsibly, and productively. Education in the 21st century is not about banning technology; it is about preparing students to thrive in a world where digital tools are essential for learning, communication, and safety.

Our approach centers on four commitments: Technology must…

Support safety by enabling emergency communication and reporting urgent concerns.
Advance learning by enriching instruction and preparing students for future success.
Promote ethical use by developing digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy online habits.
Foster critical thinking by teaching students to validate sources, assess reliability, and consider multiple perspectives.

Over the past two years, I have reviewed extensive research on student device use, and our decisions are consistently guided by what the evidence shows best supports students’ learning and well-being. The consensus is clear: technology itself is not the root cause of declines in learning or well-being. Risks emerge when device use interacts with factors such as sleep, family relationships, and offline stressors. Our responsibility is to help address these concerns and ensure students build the skills to use technology wisely. My full research review is available here: Research Summary & Bibliography: Student Device & Social Media Use.

We recognize that parents are their children’s first and most significant teachers, and to support your efforts, the District is providing curated tools to help ensure healthy and productive use of technology. These include resources on digital wellness, strategies for managing device use, and guides for fostering open communication. Just as our schools teach digital citizenship and ethical use, we want families to have the tools necessary to help children remain safe and balanced in a technology-rich world.

To comply with the new law, the Board of Education has adopted Policy 7316: Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices at School. Here is a Frequently Asked Questions summary the policy. Please review this policy with your child before the first day of school.

Together, we can ensure students remain focused, safe, and prepared for life in a digital world.

Sincerely,
Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools