The William Floyd School District will implement a new policy restricting the use of internet-enabled devices for students in grades K-12, following state guidelines set by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The regulation, which amends New York State Education Law § 2803, goes into effect on September 1, 2025. For William Floyd students, enforcement begins with the first day of school on September 2.
The district’s Policy 7316, “Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day,” was adopted on July 1 and outlines when such devices may be used. Students are generally not allowed to use personal devices like smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, or certain gaming systems during the school day anywhere on school grounds.
Exceptions are included for educational purposes if authorized by teachers or administrators; for health care management; emergencies; translation services; as determined necessary by student support staff for caregiving responsibilities; and where required by law. Additionally, device use must be permitted if specified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
According to district guidance: “students are expected to respect and abide by this new NYS policy and either store their phones in a designated on-site storage location (student lockers, designated storage bins, a secure location in a school’s main office, etc.), keep their internet-enabled devices put away while on campus, and comply when asked to do so by school or district staff.”
Enforcement procedures begin with reminders for students who do not comply. Continued noncompliance leads to phone calls home and possible referrals per the district Code of Conduct under insubordination.
Smartwatches may be worn but must operate in “school mode” or “schooltime,” blocking notifications and disabling apps during class time while allowing basic watch functions and certain parental controls like location services.
The district will not collect phones or other personal devices at entry points but expects students to keep them stored away throughout the day. Storage options include lockers or other secure locations within schools that are accessible yet monitored for security.
The use of RFID-blocking paint is discouraged due to concerns about interference with emergency communications—a stance supported by the New York State Office of Facilities Planning (memo).
If parents need to contact their children during school hours, they can call the respective school’s main office. Phone numbers are provided both online (district website) and in printed materials.
“Each district is required to adopt and submit their own plans, which gives schools and districts ‘the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.’”
“We thank you and your child/children for your cooperation on this new NYS regulation and look forward to a productive, engaging and enriching school year.”
Full versions of Policy 7316 can be accessed via PDF or webpage.
