A Policy to Help Create a Distraction-Free School Environment
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Niskayuna CSD implemented a new policy that limits student use of cell phones and other Internet-enabled devices during the school day. The policy aligns with a new law in New York state that restricts cell phones in public schools.
District officials crafted the policy in accordance with state law, while using vital community feedback gathered over the course of the 2024-25 school year from stakeholder groups, including staff, students and families.
The primary objective of this initiative is to eliminate distractions posed by personal internet enabled devices instructional time, thereby enhancing student engagement, academic performance and overall wellbeing.
We believe the new policy will:
- Improve Academic Focus: Less access to social media, gaming and messaging applications will allow students to concentrate fully on classroom activities and assignments.
- Enhance Classroom Environment: Fewer disruptions from ringing phones, notifications and extra devices use will lead to a more conducive learning atmosphere for all.
- Increase Social Interaction: Students will be encouraged to engage in face-to-face interactions with peers and teachers, fostering stronger interpersonal skills and a sense of community.
- Reduce Cyberbullying and Digital Drama: Limiting phone use during school hours can help issues related to cyberbullying and the emotional toll of constant digital connectivity.
- Comply with New York State Law: Adhering to the state mandate ensures the district’s legal compliance and commitment to student welfare.
More than simply preventing students from using devices during the school day, our policy and our intent is to create an environment that’s a safe place to concentrate and learn, free from online distractions. In essence, we see an opportunity to restore some of the joy of childhood without pressure to connect online, and to instead build a better community through interactions with peers and teachers.
How are things going so far?
A School District Internet-Enabled Device Policy Enforcement Report is now available. It reviews last year’s enforcement data, demographic disparity analyses, and related mitigation action plans.
How Was the Policy Developed?
During the 2024-25 school year, recognizing that a policy restricting cell phones in public schools was likely to be put into place, Niskayuna CSD district leaders proactively took the opportunity to engage its core stakeholder groups to collect feedback. The district gathered input from the community through a series of in-person forums and several ThoughtExchange surveys. With this feedback from the community and in accordance with the new law in New York state, district officials drafted a policy, which the Board of Education reviewed at its July 1, 2025 organizational meeting. The policy was officially adopted by the board at the July 22, 2025 meeting.
What is Included in the Policy?
Cell phones and Internet-enabled devices are not allowed to be used during the school day.
- “Cell phone” includes all types of cellular devices, including flip phones, iPhones, Androids or any device that can be used to make a phone call or send text messages.
- “Internet-enabled devices” includes “any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, earbuds, earphones and headphones or other devices capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications. This does not include devices supplied by the District that are used for an educational purpose,” according to the policy.
Does the Policy and Restrictions Include Smart Wearables?
Yes, any Internet-enabled device, including smart wearables, need to be securely locked during school hours.
What Happens if a Secondary School Student Violates the Policy?
Building leaders are developing a progressive list of consequences for students who violate the policy. More information will be coming from building principals.
How Can I Get in Touch with My Child During the School Day?
Families can contact students during the day at their child’s building’s main office number. If a student needs to call home, they should request a pass from their teacher to use the office phone. Currently, students in grades 9-12 can email outside the district and will continue to have access to do so. Lower grades do not have this ability. All district email is filtered and monitored.
How will Students Store Devices During the day?
Elementary Schools (K-5)
No cell phones or Internet-enabled devices may be present or in the possession of an elementary student while at the elementary school. This is the existing longstanding practice that will continue to be enforced.
Van Antwerp Middle School (Grade 6), Iroquois Middle School and Niskayuna High School (Grades 7-12)
Niskayuna Central School District will be using Yondr pouches as the primary tool for enforcing this policy. Yondr bags are individual pouches that secure a student’s cell phone and Internet-enabled devices upon entry to school. The bags are unlocked at the end of the school day. Internet-enabled devices should be powered down before they are placed in the Yondr pouch. Students will keep their devices with them at all times, but they will be in a secure pouch for the duration of the school day.
What are Yondr pouches?
Yondr pouches are secure lockable cases for grades 6-12 students to store phones in during the school day. The Yondr pouch will remain in the student’s possession until dismissal when they can unlock their pouch.
How do Yondr pouches work?
- Upon Arrival:
Students will turn off their devices and put them into a Yondr pouch upon entering the school building. - Securing the Device:
The Yondr pouch is then magnetically sealed until the end of the school day. - Throughout the School Day:
Students will maintain possession of their sealed Yondr pouch, but their cell phones and Internet-enabled devices cannot be used. - Dismissal:
At the end of the school day, students will tap their Yondr pouch on designated unlocking stations located at exits to release their phone.
How will students receive a Yondr pouch?
School building leaders will distribute Yondr pouches to students in grades 6-12.
Where would the Yondr pouch unlocking devices be located in the buildings?
Principals will communicate this information with students in each building before the first day of school.
The school will provide an unlocking station located on the outside of the school that will be available when school is not in session.
What happens if a student doesn’t have their Yondr pouch?
The phone may be turned over to main office staff and secured in the school until the end of the school day or parents can be contacted to come to school and pick the phone up.
What occurs if a student loses their pouch or damages their pouch intentionally?
- Student will be charged $15 for a replacement pouch.
- Student will need to report to the main office every morning for a month to hand in their cell phone or Internet-enabled devices to the assistant principal.
- Student will pick up the device at the end of the day.
How will the process work at arrival and dismissal?
At arrival and dismissal, there will be multiple entrances and exits where students can lock and unlock their pouches. Staff will be available at these locations to assist students. Building principals will be sharing more specific procedures for students who are bringing devices to school.
How Do We Communicate in Emergencies?
During an emergency, the first priority is to ensure all students, faculty and staff are safe. We encourage families to talk to their students about safety plans that the school has in place, what to do during an emergency and to reiterate that students will be able to contact their families as soon as they are in a safe location.
Every location in the school is equipped with a phone that can dial 911. Our staff is trained to execute safety and emergency procedures and direct students to safety. Communication with parents will occur through the district’s mass notification and communication tools.
Can Students Use Phones Between Classes and During Lunch?
The new policy limits cell phones and Internet-enabled device use from the first bell of the day until the last bell of the day. This applies on all school grounds, including during lunch, PE classes and study halls.
Can Kids Bring in Flip Phones and Still Use Those?
No, all cell phones are prohibited with the new school policy.
How Does the New Policy Impact 504 Plans and IEPs?
Students may use Internet-enabled devices for managing personal healthcare if approved by district leadership and accompanied by appropriate medical documentation.
How Would Students Learn About Sports Team Changes That Happen Late in the Day If They Don’t Have Their Phones to Receive Texts?
Each coach in the district has a ParentSquare group that is automatically updated with the members of the team. The coach has the ability to send a message through ParentSquare that instantly notifies all parents and players on the team. Students will receive these messages via email, but will also receive any StudentSquare app notifications once they unlock their phone at the end of the day.
Will My Student Still Be Able to Listen to Music?
Students will be able to use headphones with cords to connect to their Chromebooks. They will be able to use the headphones for classroom work or for listening to music during free periods. All Bluetooth devices, including AirPods, smartwatches and other headphones, must be stored in the Yondr pouch.
Are Students Able to Use Their Chromebooks to Email Outside of niskyschools.org?
Currently, students in grades 9-12 can email outside the district and will continue to have access to do so. Lower grades will not have this ability. All district email is filtered and monitored.
What Happens If a Secondary School Student Violates the Policy?
Building leaders have developed a progressive list of consequences for students who violate the policy. More information is available from building principals.
Failure to comply with the directions of an adult or any form of insubordination may result in further consequences as outlined in the district’s Code of Conduct.
Who Can I Submit Additional Questions To?
Submit additional questions to your building principal.
Did you know…?
- 97% of students reported using their phones during the school day.
(Source: Common Sense Media, 2023) - Teens ages 13-17 spend 4.8 hours per day on social media.
(Source: Gallup, 2023) - During school hours, kids reported that 75% of their phone use was for social media and gaming.
(Source: Common Sense Media, 2023)
Are phones allowed on school buses?
Phones are allowed on school buses, but they must be off and stored appropriately once at school.
Will Students Attending CTE Programs Be Allowed to Bring Their Phones to BOCES Campuses?
Students attending BOCES Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and other off-campus programs should follow the Internet-enabled device policy of those programs.