Distraction-Free Schools
Understanding the Distraction-Free Schools Policy
ANGOLA, NY – 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.
Lake Shore's Policy (Board Policy #7316)
Board Policy #7316 was adopted by the Lake Shore Board of Education on July 21, 2025, and took effect with the 2025-26 school year. Students are expected to keep personal devices off and stored away during the school day unless a teacher or staff member permits use for instructional purposes.
As required by the state, enforcement follows a progressive, educational approach, and no student is suspended solely for a device policy violation. Questions about how the policy is implemented at your child's school can be directed to your building principal.
Specific, limited exceptions are made for documented medical needs and for accommodations outlined in a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
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.
Pending Phil's ApprovalDuring 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% |
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Cell Phone Violations | 116 |
| Cell Phone-Related Device Issues | 35 |
| Other Electronic Device Issues | 4 |
| 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% |
| Economically Disadvantaged | Needs Info | Needs Info | — |
| English Language Learners | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| White | 71.9% | 66.5% | -5.4% |
| Black/African American | 0.6% | 1.9% | +1.3% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 4.1% | 0.6% | -3.5% |
| Asian | 0.9% | 0.0% | -0.9% |
| Multiracial | 1.9% | 1.9% | 0.0% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Analysis of Demographic Disparities
Pending Phil's Approval – Confirm FiguresOut of 607 total enrolled students, 71 students (11.7%) received at least one violation. With 126 total violations recorded, repeat offenses were common but limited to 25 students (4.1%). According to the data, male students are significantly overrepresented in policy noncompliance, accounting for 71.3% of all disciplined students compared to 28.7% for females. Also, the vast majority, 17 of 25 students with multiple violations (68%), were male. Additionally, nearly half (49.3%) of all disciplined students are classified as Students with Disabilities, which also represents overrepresentation relative to their share of district enrollment.
Possible contributing factors for the disparity involving students receiving Special Education services may include executive function and impulse control challenges, such as condition-related difficulties with attention, self-regulation, or memory (including ADHD), which can make sticking to strict device policies significantly harder for these students without targeted support. Of students receiving Special Education services, 67.6% were male and 32.4% were female, so a significant portion of the male enforcement rate overlaps with students who likely experience executive dysfunction or impulse-control challenges. Male students may also be more inclined to engage in high-visibility off-task device activities during instruction, such as video streaming or gaming, which are easier for teachers to notice compared to lower-profile activities like discreet messaging.
Needs Info Statistical Significance Determination – given the size of the gender (+21.1 points) and disability (+12.4 points) gaps above, this will likely need to be checked "Yes," but Phil needs to make the formal call.
Mitigation Action Plan
Needs Info Pending the Statistical Significance Determination above. If "Yes," this section needs a plan (staff training on IEP/504 accommodations, pre-correction student support review, restorative interventions, quarterly data audits, etc.) – let me know if you want a draft. If "No," this section will state "Not applicable."
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. 🦅💚