Amherst board outlines rollout of state-mandated “distraction-free” device policy after Aug. 1 adoption

The Amherst Central School District summarized plans to implement a state-mandated “distraction-free schools” policy—adopted Aug. 1—that prohibits unsanctioned use of internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds from bell to bell and sets procedures for exceptions, storage and progressive discipline.

District officials said the policy implements recent New York State guidance by banning unsanctioned use of smartphones, smartwatches and other internet-enabled personal devices during the instructional day (defined from the first bell to the last bell). The district formed a 25-member stakeholder committee that included parents, students, building administrators, teachers and pupil-personnel-services staff; it also ran a community feedback survey that received 82 responses, which staff said were roughly 70% supportive and 30% raising concerns tied mainly to individual cases.

On device storage, the district described different approaches by level: middle and high…