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Board discusses implementing state’s distraction-free learning law; district to seek stakeholder input
Summary
Following a New York State law banning student use of internet-capable devices during instructional hours, West Seneca district staff told the board they are collecting feedback from unions, principals and students and exploring practical measures such as lockers and lockable pouches.
The West Seneca Central School District on Tuesday discussed how it will implement a state-mandated “distraction-free learning” law that bars students from using internet-capable personal devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, during the instructional day.
Superintendent and administrative staff told the Board of Education they had received sample policy language from Erie 1 BOCES and were consulting bargaining units, principals and students to determine how the new rule should operate in district schools. The state law — adopted through the New York state budget — requires that students kindergarten through 12 refrain from using personal internet-capable devices from the start to the end of the instructional day.
District staff said implementation details remain to be worked out: options under discussion include requiring students to keep devices in lockers for the school day or, for students who demonstrate repeated noncompliance, providing lockable pouches (vendor quotes cited around $32 per pouch). The district plans outreach to families over the summer to explain the policy and to identify students who need exceptions for medical or IEP/Section 504 reasons.
Why it matters: The law creates a uniform statewide requirement, but how schools implement it will affect daily routines, school staffing and parents’ ability to reach students during the day. Board members asked administrators to ensure clear and consistent application across elementary, middle and high schools and to make plans for how families can contact students during the day.
Key points: District staff emphasized that medical or disability-related exceptions (for example, glucose-monitoring devices for diabetic students) are permitted and must be documented; substitutes and other staff must be made aware of documented exceptions. Administrators also noted the district has not yet received final guidance on how state-allocated implementation funds — referenced in other districts’ planning — can be accessed.
Board response and next steps: Board members requested uniform implementation across schools (tiering for elementary vs. secondary was discussed) and broad summer communications so families understand expectations before school begins. District leaders said they will continue to consult unions, principals and students and present a recommended local policy and communications plan to the board for review.
