WALTON — When students return to school this fall, they’ll find a major change in how they can use their phones and other personal electronic devices during the day.
Starting in the 2024–25 school year, the Walton Central School District will enforce a new policy that prohibits the use of internet-enabled personal devices—including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets—during the school day for most students, unless a specific exception applies.
The policy, adopted by the Board of Education, aims to reduce distractions in classrooms, support student mental health, and improve safety in emergencies. According to the district, these devices “can create significant distraction to the school environment, negatively impact student mental health, contribute to disciplinary infractions, and reduce student engagement.”
In emergency situations, the use of personal devices could even interfere with safety procedures or spread misinformation, the policy notes.
What’s Banned — and What’s Not
The policy defines “internet-enabled devices” as anything capable of accessing online content, including social media apps. This includes:
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Any personal device capable of connecting to the internet
• District-issued devices used for educational purposes are not restricted by this policy.
• Other personal devices—like fitness trackers, headphones, e-readers, and calculators—are also discouraged and must remain silent and stowed unless allowed for specific use.
Where and How Devices Must Be Stored
• Elementary School: Devices must be silenced and kept in student cubbies, teacher storage containers, or lockers.
• Middle School: Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers or classroom caddies.
• High School: Devices must be silenced and stored in lockers, classroom or homeroom caddies, designated holders, or individual pouches.
• Students may wear fitness trackers if they don’t interfere with instruction.
How Parents Can Reach Their Children
To reduce distractions, the district is asking parents not to text or call their children directly during the school day. Instead, parents should call the school office. Students may also contact their parents through the same method.
The district will send out written reminders of this communication protocol each year and when students newly enroll.
Exceptions Allowed
Some students will be permitted to use devices during the school day if:
• Their use is part of an IEP or 504 Plan
• It’s necessary for medical reasons (e.g., diabetes monitoring)
• They require translation services
• They are primary caregivers for a family member (on a case-by-case basis)
Parents seeking an exception must contact the building principal, and documentation is required for medical exemptions.
In limited cases, teachers may approve personal devices for specific classwork—but only if students:
• Register the device with the district
• Use it on the school’s network under district rules
• Put it away when not in use
What Happens If Students Don’t Comply?
Devices will be confiscated and held in the school office until the end of the day. Students may also face discipline under the district’s Code of Conduct.
The district will not suspend students solely for unauthorized device use but may assign alternative consequences, such as writing assignments on the impacts of social media and screen time on mental health.
Additionally, the district will meet with students and parents to talk through challenges and find ways to support compliance.
Testing Days: No Phones, No Exceptions
To protect the integrity of exams, phones and all electronic devices are banned during tests. Proctors may collect them before testing begins, and students who refuse to hand over devices will not be allowed to take the test.
Only students with documented exemptions in IEPs, 504 plans, or from medical providers may use devices during exams.
Tracking Enforcement
Beginning in 2026, Walton CSD will release an annual public report on how the policy is enforced. This will include demographic data—without identifying information—and analysis of whether enforcement is equitable across all student groups.
If disparities are found, the district will outline a plan to address them.
Parents with questions about the policy or seeking exceptions for their children are encouraged to contact their school principal.
The district emphasizes its goal is not to punish—but to create a learning environment with fewer distractions, stronger mental health, and improved classroom engagement.
