Ballston Spa Enacts Cell Phone Ban

With the start of classes just around the corner, Ballston Spa Central School District is the latest school district to enact a state-mandated man on cell phones and other personal electronic devices. 

Under the policy, students in middle and high school are expected to keep their mobile devices turned off and, in their lockers, while students in elementary school will be required to keep the devices in their backpacks. 

Students who need to contact their parents though out the day can use a phone in the main office of each building while parents can reach out to their specific child’s school if they need to contact them. 

The policy also outlines specific exceptions: 

• Where necessary for the management of students’ healthcare after approval by building administration;

• If authorized by a teacher, principal, district, or BOCES for a specific educational purpose;

• For translation purposes;

• On a case-by-case basis, upon review and determination by the building administration, for student caregiver who is routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member; or

• In the event of an emergency, with approval of the building administration;

• Where required by law;

• If a student’s IEP or 504 plan deems it necessary.

In addition, when students are on field trips, whether students have their phones out will be left to the discretion of the teacher in charge of the trip.