Distraction-Free Schools
Distraction-Free Schools at Lake Shore
Your guide to New York's bell-to-bell device policy, plus a look back at our first year.
Understanding the Distraction-Free Schools Policy
New York State Education Law Section 2803, part of a statewide mandate announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, requires all K-12 schools to keep internet-enabled personal devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, off and stored away for the entire school day. The goal of the policy is to reduce distractions, promote learning, support students' mental health, decrease bullying and social media distraction, and encourage more face-to-face social interaction and engagement.
The "bell-to-bell" restriction covers the full instructional day, including class time, homeroom, lunch periods, recess, study halls, and passing time. On July 21, 2025, the Lake Shore Board of Education adopted Board Policy #7316, putting this law into practice district-wide starting with the 2025-26 school year.
2025-26 Reporting Period
Pursuant to New York Education Law §2803(7)(a), Lake Shore Central School District provides the following annual report regarding enforcement of the Distraction-Free Schools Policy for the 2025-26 school year.
During the 2025-26 school year, all six Lake Shore school buildings implemented Board Policy #7316 through consistent, building-level enforcement procedures. Of the district's 607 enrolled students, 71 students received at least one documented violation, most commonly addressed through verbal warnings and temporary device confiscation. In keeping with the state's progressive, non-exclusionary framework, no student was suspended solely for a device policy violation. The district will continue to monitor enforcement data and refine staff guidance as needed heading into the 2026-27 school year.
Enforcement Summary
Total Student Enrollment
2025-26 school year.
Total Violations Recorded
Across all device categories, district-wide.
Students with At Least One Violation
11.7% of total enrollment.
Students with Multiple Violations
46 students had exactly one violation.
| Measure | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Warnings | 43 | 34.1% |
| Device Confiscations | 31 | 24.6% |
| Cell Phone Restrictions | 15 | 11.9% |
| Detentions | 16 | 12.7% |
| Other Disciplinary Actions | 21 | 16.7% |
| Number of Offenses | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1 |
| 6 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 2 | 13 |
| 1 | 45 |
Demographic Data
Demographic data is aggregated district-wide and reported in a non-identifiable format, consistent with state and federal privacy requirements.
| Demographic Group | Enrollment % | Disciplined % | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 50.2% | 71.3% | +21.1% |
| Female | 49.8% | 28.7% | -21.1% |
| Students with Disabilities | 36.9% | 49.3% | +12.4% |
| English Language Learners | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| White | 71.9% | 66.5% | -5.4% |
| American Indian | 16.7% | 12.3% | -4.4% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 4.1% | 0.6% | -3.5% |
| Multiracial | 1.9% | 1.9% | 0.0% |
| Asian | 0.9% | 0.0% | -0.9% |
| Black/African American | 0.6% | 1.9% | +1.3% |
| Other/Pacific Islander | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Analysis of Demographic Disparities
Of Lake Shore's 607 students, 71 (11.7%) received at least one violation this year, and repeat offenses were concentrated among a small group of students. Key findings:
- +21.1% – Male students. 71.3% of disciplined students vs. 50.2% of enrollment. 68% of students with multiple violations were male.
- +12.4% – Students with disabilities. 49.3% of disciplined students vs. 36.9% of enrollment, a pattern that may connect to executive function and impulse-control challenges that can make strict device rules harder to follow without added support.
Male students may also be more likely to engage in easily noticed off-task device behavior, like video streaming or gaming, while lower-profile activity such as discreet messaging is harder for staff to catch, a possible contributing factor to the gender gap above.
Statistical Significance Determination
Based on this year's data, Lake Shore identified a notable disparity in enforcement for male students (+21.1 percentage points) and students with disabilities (+12.4 percentage points). The district's formal significance determination will be finalized by administration.
Helping Students Build Healthy Device Habits at Home
As the school year gets underway, easing into healthier device habits at home can help students adjust to the school day's device-free expectations and stay focused on learning.
- Set daily screen time limits together as a family
- Turn off non-essential notifications
- Create tech-free zones or times, like during meals or before bed
- Charge devices overnight in a common space outside bedrooms
- Encourage a hobby or activity that doesn't involve a screen
- Build a simple routine, like homework first, then a short device break
- Make it a family challenge and track progress together
- Remove apps that tend to waste time
Distraction-Free School Zones
Why is the District implementing Distraction-Free School Zones?
On July 21, 2025, the Lake Shore Board of Education approved a new policy governing student use of internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, during the school day. The policy implements New York State's Bell-to-Bell Distraction-Free Schools law, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to help create safer, healthier, and more focused learning environments. The full policy, Policy #7316 – Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day, is available from your building's main office.
What does this mean for families?
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, students are expected to keep personal internet-enabled devices turned off and stored away during the school day unless a teacher or staff member explicitly permits use for educational purposes. Students are provided with district Chromebooks, and outside of an approved instructional app, students are expected to rely on their Chromebooks rather than personal devices. If having a personal device on hand is too much of a distraction, students are encouraged to simply leave it at home.
How are devices stored at each building level?
High School: Personal devices, including internet-enabled wearables such as earbuds, must be stored securely in lockers and/or designated classroom storage areas during the school day (7:55 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.). Classroom storage is already a routine practice in many Lake Shore classrooms. Students may use SmartPass through their Chromebook, and devices may not be used in hallways, study halls, libraries, or lunchrooms unless permitted for an educational purpose.
Middle School: Personal devices must be stored securely in lockers for the school day.
Elementary Schools: Devices must be kept in a secure location, muted or turned off, and out of sight during the school day. Internet-enabled wearables, such as smartwatches, are not permitted at the elementary level.
What if my student needs a device for a medical reason, or has an IEP or 504 Plan?
Exceptions are made in accordance with New York State's Bell-to-Bell law. Families whose student requires a device for a documented medical reason, or as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, should have their family and physician complete an exception request form, available from the school main office.
What happens if a student doesn't follow the policy?
Consistent with state law, Lake Shore follows a progressive, educational approach to enforcement. Consequences may include a verbal warning, temporary device confiscation, a parent phone call, or other building-level disciplinary action depending on the number and nature of violations. No student is suspended solely for a device policy violation.
Lake Shore CSD understands the important role technology plays in students' lives, and we're grateful to families and staff for helping make this transition a smooth one. We'll continue to monitor enforcement data and refine our approach as needed.