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Hampton Bays board moves to put "distraction-free" device policy in place by Aug. 1
Summary
District officials said they will implement a state-required "distraction-free schools" policy that restricts students' internet-enabled devices during the school day, allow limited medical and IEP/504 exceptions, and plan parent and student education this summer to support rollout.
The Hampton Bays Union Free School District board discussed plans to put a "distraction-free schools" policy in place by Aug. 1 to comply with New York State requirements and to qualify for related state aid.
District administration said the policy will generally prohibit the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, with students expected to store devices in school-provided lockers from the first bell to the last bell. The administration said there will be limited exceptions for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans and for certain medical-monitoring uses such as glucose monitors that must remain active.
Officials said the district will conduct student and parent education in July and August to prepare for what they described as a cultural change in device use. Administration representatives emphasized that enforcing the policy will require new routines and communication with students and families.
The district noted state aid allocated in May would contribute to resources for rollout; administration cited an amount that translated to about $10.50 per student in grades 7 through 12 based on 2023–24 enrollment, but the total dollar figure cited in the meeting transcript was unclear.
A separate public hearing was scheduled for Aug. 12 on the district safety plan and the code of conduct; the device policy timeline was presented as distinct from that hearing. The board said it will continue to refine details before a final vote and will use the summer months for education and implementation planning.
Background: New York State set an Aug. 1 timeline for districts to adopt policies addressing device use; the district described the policy as focused on restricting personal internet-enabled devices during instructional time while preserving medically necessary and education-plan accommodations.
