Syosset
Central School District
Distraction Free Schools
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, New York State’s “Distraction-Free Schools” policy will take effect in all public school districts. Students will not be permitted to be on their internet-enabled device during the entirety of the school day.
Announced in May 2025, New York State's "Distraction Free School" policy requires districts to implement a comprehensive restriction on student use of internet-enabled personal devices during the school day. This statewide initiative is designed to promote a more focused, engaged learning environment by minimizing digital distractions. Under the policy, students are not permitted to use devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, or tablets at any time during the school day—including lunch, recess, passing time, and study hall. District-issued Chromebooks are exempt from the ban. To align with the state’s directive, the Syosset Board of Education has adopted an updated version of its Acceptable Use Policy reflecting these changes. Please see the districtwide letter sent out to our families on August 1st.
Syosset Policy Information
Updated Board PolicyDistrict Bell-to-Bell Ban Letter
New York State Policy Information
"Distraction-Free Schools" ResourcesDistraction-Free Schools" Law
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Policy Implementation
Elementary Schools
- Students are discouraged from bringing internet-enabled devices to school. Any internet-enabled device that is brought to school must be silenced and kept in the classroom in the location designated by the teacher.
Middle Schools
- Students are discouraged from bringing internet-enabled devices to school. Any internet-enabled device that is brought to school must be silenced and stored in the student’s locker until student dismissal at the conclusion of the school day.
High School
- Internet-enabled devices must be silenced and stored in student lockers until student dismissal.
Parent Contact During the School Day
- To ensure communication between parents/guardians and students, district offices will remain accessible by phones. Students may stop by those offices to use the phone to contact their parents/guardians when necessary. Parents/guardians may call the building main office.
Student Exemptions
- See updated Board Policy at this link for additional information.
Student Discipline
- As per the enacted law, the school district is not permitted to suspend a student if the sole ground for suspension is that the student accessed an internet enabled device. However, students are still subject to our District's Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.