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School Cell Phone Ban: What ESM Families Need to Know
School Cell Phone Ban: What ESM Families Need to Know
Starting September 2, 2025, a new New York State law took effect that restricts student cell phone use during the school day. This means ESM will implement a “bell-to-bell” ban on all personal cell phones and internet-enabled devices during school hours.
What Does “Bell-to-Bell” Mean?
From the moment students arrive at school until they are dismissed, cell phones and other personal internet devices must be turned off and put away. This includes time in class, lunch, study halls, and passing time between periods. The ban also applies during field trips and other off campus, school-related activities held during the school day.
Once students are dismissed, the ban no longer applies. After-school sports, clubs and evening events are not affected.
Why Is This Happening?
This new state law is meant to help students stay focused and support their mental health. Research shows that phones can be a big distraction during learning time and may contribute to issues like cyberbullying and reduced face-to-face interaction.
At ESM, we also heard from students, staff and families through our Community Café conversations this spring. Their input helped shape how we’ll put this new law into practice.
Keeping Devices Out of Sight—Pouches
To support this policy, each student will receive a school-issued pouch that fastens shut with Velcro. Students will place their phone or device in the pouch at the start of the day and keep it with them until dismissal.
- If a student forgets their pouch, they may need to check their phone in with the main office.
- Students are responsible for their pouches. Lost or damaged pouches may carry a replacement fee.
Staying Connected During the School Day
We know many families are used to texting or calling their child during the day. Here’s how students and families will still be able to reach each other:
- Students can use a designated phone in the school if they need to contact home.
- Families can call the school’s main office to reach their child during the school day.
- Students can check their school email using their District-issued Chromebook.
What Devices Are NOT Allowed?
Any personal device that connects to the internet is NOT allowed during the school day, including:
- Cell phones and smartphones
- Smartwatches
- Tablets, including iPads
- Fitness trackers with messaging or calling features
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes. The following are exceptions to the policy:
- District-provided devices used for learning are still allowed.
- Medically necessary devices (like a glucose monitor) may be permitted with proper documentation from a healthcare provider. (Please contact your school nurse for help.)
- In case of an emergency, students can access their device by simply removing it from its pouch.
What Happens If a Student Uses Their Device Anyway?
The state doesn’t allow suspension just for using a phone, but there are steps ESM will take if students don’t follow the rules:
- 1st & 2nd violation: The device is kept in the office until the end of the day. Parents/guardians are notified after the second violation.
- 3rd and future violations: A parent will need to pick up the device from the office. In some cases, the student may need to turn in their device daily for a period of time.
Policy Information & Future Reporting
- The full policy will be available on the ESM website and translated into the top 12 non-English languages in New York State upon request.
- Starting in September 2026, ESM will post a yearly public report about how this policy is being enforced, including anonymous demographic data and actions taken if enforcement appears unequal.
We know this is a big change, and your support is essential. Please talk with your child about the importance of following this new state law to help create a focused, distraction-free school day. If you have questions, contact your school principal. Together, we can help students stay present, engaged and ready to learn