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Amherst adopts "distraction-free schools" policy banning unsanctioned personal internet-enabled devices during school day
Summary
The board adopted a "distraction-free schools" policy restricting personal internet-enabled devices 'bell to bell' with six statutory exceptions; the district reported 82 community responses (70% supportive) and outlined an exceptions process and progressive discipline framework for violations.
The Amherst Central School District on July 31 detailed the newly adopted "distraction-free schools" policy, which prohibits unsanctioned use of personal internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the instructional day and establishes exceptions, storage rules, and a progressive discipline system.
According to the presenter (Speaker 1), the policy covers smartphones, smartwatches and other internet-enabled devices during the school day — described as "from bell to bell" — and excludes district-issued devices used for instruction. The presenter said the policy is grounded in New York state requirements and committee work that included parents, students, teachers and PPS staff.
Community input and committee work: the district said a stakeholder committee…
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