Farmingdale School District Updates Cellphone Policy Following State Ban

FARMINGDALE, NY — The Farmingdale School District updated its cellphone policy following a new law enacted by New York state that restricts the use of smartphones for the entire K-12 school day, the district announced.

Farmingdale students will be required to turn off all personal electronic devices — smartphones, smartwatches, and earbuds — and store them in their assigned lockers or backpacks, Superintendent Paul Defendini announced in a letter to the community obtained by Patch. Devices must remain off and stored until the official end of the school day.

Students allowed to leave the high school during lunch or free periods may use their devices away from school grounds, but they must be turned off and stored once they return to the building.

"In short, we're aiming for a very manageable situation where students can learn that schools are a place where cell phones should be put away," Defendini said. "This is no different from the kind of experience we would expect from our students in a professional setting, a place of worship, a library, a theater, or a government building or hospital. As adults, we understand there are places where cell phones are permitted and places where they should be stored away. Our protocol is designed to teach them that same lesson, which will be vital no matter what path they choose after high school."

Principals of each building in the district will share more detailed information with their student body and their guardians before the school year begins.

This change is based on the Education Law 2803 recently enacted by the state. It was developed with input from parents, educators, and mental health professionals.

"Our goal is to create a better learning environment that supports the well-being and academic success of all our students," Defendini said. "We're committed to implementing this policy in a reasonable and manageable way to minimize stress and worry."

Policy and Protocol Changes

Beginning on the first day of school in September, Farmingdale Schools will implement changes to student use of personal electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds, throughout the entire school day. These devices will not be allowed for the duration of the academic day. The new policy applies during:

• All classes
• Lunch periods (while on school grounds)
• Study halls
• Passing time

The 'Why'

A growing body of research highlights a strong correlation between smartphone use and increased levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and diminished attention spans among students, the district noted.

"While these devices can be powerful tools, they've also introduced unprecedented distractions and pressures into young people's lives," the district wrote. "By implementing this policy, we aim to:

• Restore focus in the classroom and during learning activities.
• Reduce digital dependency and encourage healthier habits.
• Foster stronger interpersonal skills and more meaningful connections among students."

Policy Violations and Emergency Communication

The district anticipates "minimal impact" to its middle school and elementary school environments.

The existing protocols for electronic devices in those schools will remain in effect for the 2025-26 school year. Some adjustments will be made at Howitt Middle School, but the biggest shift will be for the district's rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Defendini said.

"Administrators in each of our buildings will clearly communicate these new guidelines to students, including how our code of conduct will be used to enforce them," Defendini said. "They will also discuss how communication will be handled in the event of an emergency ... Thank you for your partnership as we continue to prioritize the health, growth, and success of our students. We are confident that this decision will yield lasting benefits for our entire school community."