Rochester School Board Adopts Strict Limits on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
- Audra Kieta
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Rochester City School District held a public meeting on Tuesday, to provide an overview and survey results of a new policy that significantly restricts student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student mental health and engagement.
Marisol O. Ramos-Lopez, Chief Communications Officer presented survey findings and emphasized the district’s commitment to balancing safety, mental health, and equity.
Under the revised policy, labeled Board Policy 5695, students will no longer be allowed to use internet-enabled devices—including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches—on school grounds during the instructional day, unless specific exceptions apply. The policy takes effect immediately and complies with a new provision in New York State Education Law §2803.
The Board of Education cited growing concerns about devices distracting students, interfering with emergency protocols, contributing to disciplinary issues, and exacerbating mental health challenges. The policy also seeks to minimize the impact of social media during the school day.
“Personal electronic devices have become a persistent source of distraction in classrooms,” the policy reads. “This change is about creating a safe, focused environment for learning.”
One major concern raised during the meeting and from the survey was about access to communication during emergencies, particularly for families without reliable access to school communication lines. Superintendent Eric Rosser assured attendees that each school would clearly communicate alternative contact methods and that exceptions for medical and caregiving needs would be handled with sensitivity.
“We're going to make sure that there are protocols in place that everyone in the organization along with parents and students understant in the event there is an emergency, how can parents access their children, how can children access their parents,” said Rosser during the meeting. “We'll make sure that during the summer time as a part of the work of the executive team, that we're making sure that those protocols are in place for the opening of school.”
The policy, a mandate from Gov. Kathy Hochul for all New York K-12 schools, establishes a tiered approach to managing devices based on grade level:
Elementary students must turn over devices to designated school personnel upon arrival.
Middle and high school students must silence and store devices in designated containers.
The district discourages students from bringing electronic devices to school altogether, and it will not be responsible for any that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Certain exceptions allow for device use during the school day. These include:
Use specified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
Emergencies or situations involving medical needs such as asthma or diabetes.
Translation services.
Students responsible for the care of a family member, upon approval by a school mental health professional.
Teachers may also allow devices for specific educational purposes if students register their devices and connect through the district’s secure network.
To avoid disruptions, parents are instructed to contact students through official school channels rather than via personal devices. Schools will provide written notification of these communication protocols at the start of each school year and upon enrollment.
During testing periods, students are prohibited from bringing electronic devices into exam rooms. Proctors are authorized to collect any such devices before exams begin. Students who do not comply may be barred from taking the test.
Students with documented needs may still use devices during exams, provided it is outlined in an IEP, 504 plan, or verified by a medical professional.
Enforcement and Reporting
School administrators are primarily responsible for enforcement, with support from all staff. Violations will be addressed through existing disciplinary procedures outlined in the district’s Code of Conduct.
Importantly, the policy specifies that students will not be suspended solely for violating the electronics ban.
Beginning in 2026, the district will publish annual reports detailing enforcement data, including non-identifiable demographic information. If any disparities in enforcement are found, the district must present a plan to address them.
The new policy will be posted on the district’s website and included in student and family handbooks. Translations into the state’s top twelve non-English languages will be available upon request.
For more information, visit: https://www.rcsdk12.org/domain/16096 or contact your child’s school.
Download a copy of the plan below:
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