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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 of about 25 people produced the draft and a Google feedback form received 82 responses. "Seventy percent shared positive support around it, whereas 30% did share some concerns," the presenter said. Officials told the board that most concerns focused on storage, consequences and communication; the committee revised those sections in response.
Exceptions and operational process: Speaker 1 said there are six exceptions allowed by law and outlined a formal request process. Medical or caregiver exceptions will be initially reviewed by the building principal and the district medical director; translation-related needs may involve consultation with PNL/ENL teachers; accommodations tied to special-education plans will be handled through the student—s CSE process. The presenter emphasized that exceptions do not necessarily permit continuous on-person access and may grant limited access at specified times.
Device storage and discipline: Middle and high school students will be required to turn off covered devices and store them in lockers during the school day; elementary students will keep devices powered off in backpacks. The presenter described progressive consequences: a first formal offense will result in confiscation and return to the student at the end of the day; a second offense will result in confiscation and return only to the parent/guardian and a detention; a third offense may result in suspension and return only to the parent/guardian. Repeated refusal to comply may be handled as insubordination under the district code of conduct.
Implementation and communications: The policy and an FAQ, presentation and translated materials are posted on the district website. Officials said students will receive assemblies and classroom activities on opening days, staff will receive development sessions, and new-family registration packets will include a flyer describing expectations. The board adopted the policy Aug. 1 and district staff said they are preparing visuals, communications and training in the month ahead to support implementation.
What remains open: The transcript-level presentation notes that the district will monitor implementation and refinement; no detailed vote tallies were provided in the hearing record and exceptions will be handled case-by-case at the building level.
