Policy JICJ

    POLICY:  JICJ

                         EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/11/26

 REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE: 5/06/26

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 setting expectations regarding 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, remain off, and stored.

·   Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted if RSU #74 is unable to address the need with a school issued device.

At all grade levels, violations of this policy may result in:

·       Confiscation of the cell phone, smart watch, or other device for the remainder of the day. Parent/guardian will need to come to school between dismissal time and close of the main office, or a time mutually agreed upon by the parent and administration.

·       Repeated violations may require a parent/guardian meeting and/or result in additional interventions or disciplinary consequences.

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.

RSU #74 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 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