Phones are banned all school day, bell to bell, with new rules and a first enforcement report

What happened

Policy 5695 bars students from using personal phones, smartwatches and other internet devices from arrival to dismissal, including lunch and passing time. Elementary students keep devices off in backpacks. Middle school students store them in lockers. High school students use backpacks or lockers. Exceptions cover health needs, translation, emergencies, IEP/504 plans and approved class uses. Students cannot be suspended out of school only for breaking this rule. The Board revised the policy on September 17, 2026 and adopted the rules (5695-R) on October 1, 2026.

Why it matters to families

This changes every student's school day and tells parents how to reach their child: call the school office. Families can ask for an exception in writing.

The evidence

The policy text says it follows Education Law section 2803 and was adopted July 8, 2025, revised August 5, 2025 and September 17, 2026. The 2025-26 Distraction-Free Schools report lists 884 violations by 411 of 5,086 students, with 884 confiscations, 156 detentions and 128 parent notifications.

The source