New State Law Limits Cell Phone Use in Schools

Starting in September of 2025, New York State law will limit student access to internet-enabled devices during the school day. What the Law Covers:

The law prohibits the use of:

• Cell phones

• Smartwatches

• Earbuds and headphones

• Similar internet-enabled devices

These devices may not be used at any time during the school day—including lunch, recess, study halls, and passing times—on any school grounds.

ONC BOCES Implementation

At ONC BOCES, students who bring a personal electronic device will use Yondr pouches to secure their devices:

• Grades 9-12

  • Students will receive a school-issued Yondr pouch.

  • Each day, students must bring their pouch, turn off or set their device to airplane mode, and lock it in the pouch in front of staff upon arrival.

  • Devices remain secured but are carried by students throughout the day.

  • At dismissal, students unlock their pouch and retrieve their device.

• Grades K–8:

  • Students follow the same steps as high school students.

  • At dismissal, pouches are placed in a secure bin and kept on campus overnight.

This process ensures all students remain focused on learning while still keeping their devices safe and accessible at the end of the day.