Face-to-Face Connection Rises Under New School Device Policy

As the second week of school begins, educators are already seeing the benefits of New York State’s new bell-to-bell phone policy, which prohibits K–12 students from using phones and other internet-enabled devices during the school day.

Pittsford Central School District Superintendent Michael Pero noted a noticeable increase in face-to-face interaction among students, particularly during lunch periods.

The policy, introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul this September, is designed to minimize classroom distractions while promoting students’ mental well-being and academic success.

At Pittsford schools, students in grades 6–12 are required to keep their devices locked away for the entire day, including lunch and study halls, while younger students in grades K–5 have their phones collected and stored by teachers.

Pittsford school says they benefit from new bell-to-bell policy