Overview

• Students may not use personal internet-connected devices anywhere on school grounds for the entire school day, including lunch and other non-instructional periods.
• Districts determine storage methods such as secure pouches or lockers and must notify families of procedures and the designated contact line for urgent messages.
• Exemptions are narrowly defined for medical monitoring, family caregiving needs, or translation devices, with specifics set locally.
• Some parents voice safety concerns about emergency access, while Gov. Kathy Hochul says teachers are trained to respond and the chancellor assures urgent messages will be relayed.
• Early anecdotes from Alabama’s rollout describe fewer behavior issues and more student interaction, offering a preview as New York schools open in early September.