By Alissa Striano
A New Rule for Schools
This fall, schools across Nassau County and throughout New York State will look a little different. In April, lawmakers passed a law requiring schools to keep phones away from students during the entire school day. To meet this requirement, districts are rolling out what is being called the Bell-to-Bell cell phone ban, meaning no phone use from the first bell to the last. The goal is to cut down on distractions, reduce cyberbullying, and support students’ mental health.
Local Control and Transparency
While the law is statewide, each district is responsible for creating its own policy. As part of the state funding that supports the Bell-to-Bell initiative, districts must also communicate their plans clearly, posting them on the New York State government website so families can easily access information.
The exact enforcement depends on the district’s policy, but the state law requires that students cannot use personal devices during the school day. For example, in Manhasset, both internet-enabled devices and other personal electronic devices are included in their restrictions.
Manhasset Example
The Manhasset Union Free School District recently outlined its policy. The district’s approach addresses internet-enabled devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, as well as non-internet devices like earbuds, music players, and fitness trackers. Officials emphasize that these devices can create distractions, interfere with learning, and even disrupt emergency response protocols. The policy also reminds families that the school will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
What It Means for Students
For students, the change may not be easy. Many will say a school day without phones feels boring. But boredom is not always bad. Ali Lo Re, Director of Clinical Services for the Intensive Support Program at BOCES, explained, “When students are bored, that is often where creativity begins. Without constant stimulation from their phones, they have to imagine, create, and connect in new ways.”
Dr. Fiana Klein, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, agreed. She said, “Taking phones out of the picture gives students a chance to sit with discomfort. Those moments are where real growth happens, where kids develop resilience, social skills, and confidence in themselves.”
Administrators also hope less screen time will mean fewer incidents of cyberbullying and social drama.
Mental Health and Safety
Research shows that constant access to devices can fuel anxiety, sleep issues, and peer drama. Districts also emphasize safety: in emergencies, phones may spread misinformation or distract students from following staff directions. The Bell-to-Bell ban aims to create calmer, more focused, and safer school environments.
Parents Will Feel It Too
Parents will feel the shift too. For years, many have been in frequent contact with their kids during the school day, answering texts about forgotten items, small problems, or just checking in. That kind of real-time back-and-forth will not be possible anymore. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, both experts say this change could be healthy for families.
Lo Re noted that without the constant lifeline to parents, students will have more chances to solve problems on their own and build independence. It is about giving kids the space to figure things out instead of always stepping in right away.
Dr. Klein echoed that thought, adding, “This is really about stress tolerance, allowing kids to manage discomfort and realize that they can get through it. Parents may feel uneasy at first, but in the long run, it helps create more independent, autonomous young adults.”
Parent Contact
During the school day, parents are encouraged to call the main office or use their child’s district email address if they need to get in touch. Schools will provide clear communication protocols at the start of the year, so families know exactly how to reach their children when needed.
Expert Guidance
For parents looking for additional guidance, Dr. Klein recommends Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book The Anxious Generation. “It is an important read for parents,” she said. “It explains how these devices interfere with the developmental milestones kids need, and it offers practical strategies for supporting them.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, schools will not just roll out the ban and walk away. As part of the state grant supporting this initiative, districts are required to track how the change is impacting students. Dr. Klein explained, “Schools will be looking closely at trends in bullying, mental health referrals, and overall school climate. The ban is not just about removing phones, it is about making sure we see meaningful improvements in focus, connection, and mental health.”
Next Steps
Each district will handle the details differently, so parents should check their school’s specific policies at ny.gov/phonefree. If questions come up, the best step is to reach out directly to your local district. Families can also prepare by talking about the ban in advance and practicing device-free hours at home. Even something as simple as making dinner phone-free can help kids and parents get used to unplugging.
The Bell-to-Bell law is more than just a restriction; it is a call to action. As Dr. Klein reminded, many kids later admit their favorite part of sleepaway camp was not having their phones. “When they look back, life often feels fuller without them,” she said.
Support for Families
If your family is struggling with this transition or you would like support in helping your child adjust, the team at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center is here to help. Call (516) 626-1971 to learn more about the programs and services offered.
