Huntington UFSD Enacts State Required Cell Phone Policy

The Huntington UFSD Board of Education has adopted a new state required policy restricting student cell phone use during the regular school day. A bill passed by both houses of the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul mandated districts to enact such a policy this summer and implement it for the new school year.

Huntington Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Brenden Cusack sent parents a letter detailing the new policy along with a FAQ sheet. You can access Policy 7316 by clicking HERE.

“Board of Education Policy 7316 was developed through thoughtful collaboration with our local stakeholders including teachers, staff members, students, administrators and parents to support a more focused, engaging, and distraction-free school environment for all learners,” Mr. Cusack said.

“In an effort to reduce students’ reliance on technology and social media, New York State has adopted legislation that requires all public schools to ban students’ use of personal Internet-enabled devices during the school day,” parents and guardians were told.

“Huntington’s policy 7316 complies with the newly-enacted New York State Education Law §2803,” states information made available to the school community. “The presence of smartphones and other Internet-enabled devices in schools has become a growing challenge for educators and families alike. While technology plays a vital role in education, personal devices often divert students’ attention away from learning and authentic social interaction. By minimizing these distractions during the school day, we aim to promote stronger academic engagement, deeper interpersonal connections, and an overall healthier school climate. You can access information about Section 2803 of the New York State Education Law, ‘Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day’ HERE.”

“Under this policy, students will not be permitted to use Internet-enabled devices (such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets) during the school day anywhere on school grounds, including during homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time,” Mr. Cusack said. “Students in grades 7-12 are required to store their devices in their lockers throughout the day. Students in grades K-6 must keep devices stored in designated classroom cubbies. These procedures are designed to support an uninterrupted learning environment throughout the day. Whenever possible, we ask that students refrain from bringing personal devices to school, particularly in the elementary grades.”

Parents can reach their child during the school day as per the following:

Call the school’s Main Office: A staff member can relay a message or connect a student directly with their parent(s) in the case of an urgent matter. Students may also use the main office phone to call a parent or guardian when needed. “Please ensure your child has any essential phone numbers and be sure to update your contact information with your child’s school if there are any changes,” Mr. Cusack said.

Written notes: For matters that are less time-sensitive, notes can be dropped off at the main office and delivered to a student.

“We recognize that there are circumstances where device use may be needed,” Mr. Cusack said. “As outlined in the law and policy, students may be permitted to use devices during the school day only when:

Approved by a teacher or administrator for a specific educational purpose

Required for health care management

Needed in an emergency

Used for translation services with administrative approval

Permitted by a school counselor, psychologist, or social worker in collaboration with school administrators in specific caregiving situations

Required by law or included in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan”

The new policy is posted on the district website and translated versions will be made available upon request. Students will not face suspension solely for violating this policy, but other sanctions, consequences and restorative measures may be utilized. Beginning in September 2026, the district will also publish an annual report, as required by the New York State Education Department, to monitor implementation and ensure consistency. Additional details regarding the implementation of the policy will be provided by building principals as needed.

“While we understand this may be an adjustment for some students, we believe the new policy reflects our shared commitment to providing the best educational experience for every student in a setting that minimizes distractions and fosters personal connections,” wrote Mr. Cusack in a message directed to parents and guardians. “Building administrators and principals will review the expectations with students at the start of the school year, but we also ask that you please speak with your children about the new policy prior to the start of school. By working together, not only will we comply with New York State law, but together we can also create an environment where students are fully present and engaged both academically and socially.”

Specific questions about the new policy can be directed to individual school principals once the new year gets underway.