JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
CELL PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOLS
The intent of this policy is to support a focused learning environment, minimize distractions, and promote student social and emotional well-being by regulating the use of student personal cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day. This policy applies to all student personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connection connectivity capabilities, wearable or handheld.
BELL TO BELL PROHIBITION All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.
Students are not permitted to carry/wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day. • Prior to the starting bell, cell phones and other PEDs must be powered off and remain off and stored as determined by the building administrator. • Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in accordance with a health care provider’s order as incorporated into the student’s individual health plan (IHP) (e.g., glucose monitoring); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology); in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available; or in an emergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s health and safety and emergency management plan. At all grade levels, violations of this policy may result in:
• A verbal warning and direction to store the device in the designated location. • Confiscation of the cell phone, smart watch, or other device for the remainder of the day. • Repeated violations may require a parent/guardian meeting and/or result in additional interventions or disciplinary consequences such as detention, in-school suspension, or out of school suspension. In the event of a school emergency, the school/district will communicate with parents as promptly as possible in accordance with the school unit’s Health and Safety and Emergency Management Plan.
The school unit will not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to students’ personally owned cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs brought into schools or onto school property, including school buses, parking lots, athletic fields and/or any other school facilities.
The use of cameras, including camera phones, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other places where privacy is generally expected. In all other school locations, permission must be granted before photographing or taking videos of another person.
When on school premises, the use of personal electronic devices that violates Board policy, administrative procedure or school rule is prohibited. In addition, accessing, viewing, submitting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying and/or illegal is prohibited.
The Superintendent/building administrators will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures to implement/enforce this policy. Students and parents will be provided notice of this policy through student handbooks and/or other means of communication prior to the beginning of the school year.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001(23)
Cross Reference: GBCC–Employee Use of Cell Phones IJNDB–Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety JIC–Student Code of Conduct JIH–Questioning and Searches of Students
Adopted: June 24, 2013
Revised: February 26, 2015; April 27, 2020; November 25, 2024; June 15, 2026