STUDENTS AND TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
Students in possession of telecommunications devices, including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers and cellular phones, while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities shall observe the following conditions:
Telecommunication devices shall be turned on and operated only before and after the regular school day, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device.
Students shall not use telecommunication devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment or violates the privacy rights of others.
Students shall not send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events or on school buses or vehicles provided by the district.
When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts,that a student is using a telecommunications device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the official may confiscate the device, which shall only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian.
By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to school or school-sponsored events, the student and their parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement.
Students are responsible for devices they bring to school. The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of devices brought onto school property or to school sponsored events.
Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronicdevices.
Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.
Cross References:
2022 Electronic Resources
3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment
3241P Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment
4310 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies, Child Protective Agencies and County Health
Management Resources:
Policy News, February 2004 Evolution of Cell Phone Use
Policy News, June 2010 Students and Sexting
Policy News, October 2010 Students and Telecommunication Devices Revisited
Adoption Date: 2/28/2011