Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Plans are in place to introduce a bell-to-bell cell phone ban across all schools in the Buffalo Public School District starting next school year.
Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams Knight sent a letter to parents and caretakers of students districtwide Thursday detailing the plans of a cell phone ban at all schools across the district. The ban will be implemented this September when schools return to session from summer break.
As part of this plan that reflects New York State’s new distraction-free, no personal smartphones/electronics policy, students will be required to store their internet-capable personal devices from the first bell to final dismissal in a secure designated storage area at their school. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, cell phones with any internet capability, iPads, or similar devices.
However, students will be authorized to access “school-issued” internet-enabled devices for their classroom instruction. This includes laptops or tablets provided by the school and used as part of instruction.
Each school will also have a process for students to contact a parent or caregiver during the school day, if needed, and vise versa.
There will be a few exemptions to New York State’s device restrictions, including:
- Students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition;
- Use of electronics documented on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan for academic purposes;
- For other legitimate purposes, such as translation services or documented emergencies.
To help ensure all students have access to a Buffalo Public Schools internet-ready device for the 2025-2026 school year, the district is asking to have students return their BPS-issued devices to their school buildings. Specific collection process information is being sent out separately.
Parents and caretakers can learn more about New York State’s new distraction-free policy that requires bell-to-bell restrictions on all internet-capable devices here: