Keeping Our Focus on Teaching and Learning

Our highest priorities as a district are keeping our students safe and secure and maintaining a strict focus on teaching and learning. Limiting distractions to teaching and learning is an ongoing challenge, and the presence of cell phones has often exacerbated this challenge. As New York State Education Law now prohibits the use of cell phones during the school day, we are asking our parents/guardians and community to partner with us in managing our new policy and the expectations that come with it. To that end, we are providing the information and resources below to develop a common understanding of our policy requirements and to assist families in making the required adjustments. 

Cell Phone Policy Background Information

1. Parent/Guardian Summary of 2025-26 Cell Phone Policy
2. Información para Padres/Tutores en 2025-26 Dispositivos Electrónicos en las Escuelas
3. NYS Cell Phone Law
4. NYS Cell Phone Law Plain Language Summary
5. Dobbs Ferry Board of Education Policy Committee Minutes
6. Statewide Cell Phone Policies

Family Resources

1. Family Resources for Fostering Digital Citizenship at Home
2. American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan
3. Limiting Screen Time on Your Child's Apple Device
4. Managing Your Child's Screen Time
5. Family Guide to Parental Controls (includes numerous resources)
6. Parental Internet Safety Guide (includes numerous resources)
7. How Teaching Kids ‘Digital Agency’ Can Make Social Media a Positive Place for Them

Have a resource that you have found helpful in managing your child's devices? Please share it with us at policy@dfsd.org.