Jerome Joint School District No. 261 3265

STUDENTS

Student Owned Electronic Communication Devices

The Board adopts this policy to place controls on the use of student-owned electronic devices at school. There has

been a rising concern that spending too much time on social media or using cell phones may be detrimental to

students’ physical and mental health. The Board’s priority is that all students are engaged in learning without

distraction.

By placing limits on the permissible use of such electronic devices, the Board intends to:

1. Adopt policy in alignment with State Department of Education guidance on cell phones;

2. Promote student safety;

3. Support staff in maintaining an environment that encourages learning;

4. Reduce distractions in the learning environment;

5. Improve academic focus;

6. Promote responsible technology use;

7. Prevent cyberbullying;

8. Mitigate the privacy concerns posed by personal electronic devices;

This policy shall apply to any electronic device not issued by the District that is capable of accessing the internet or

sending an electronic message to another device, such as smartphones, other cell phones, tablets, laptops,

e-readers, smart watches and earbuds.

Restrictions on Time and Location of Use

Students are prohibited from using cell phones in the following times and places:

1. During class time;

2. In bathrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms; and

Students are permitted to use cell phones in the following times and places:

1. Before and after the school day;

2. At school activities outside of school hours;

3. During lunch;

Any use of an electronic device required by a student’s 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) shall be

permitted regardless of whether it would otherwise violate this policy.

Students may use a personal electronic device in the case of an emergency to contact help. In this policy, an

emergency is an event that poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of any person or a risk of damage to

property. If a student needs to use a personal electronic device in such an emergency, they should ensure they are

in as safe a location as is feasible.

If a student’s parent/guardian or their designee needs to contact a student in the case of an emergency at a time

when student cell phone use is not permitted, the parent/guardian or designee should call the school office. The

student’s locker or cubby;

1. The student’s bag, purse, or pocket and out of sight;

2. A location in the classroom designated by the teacher;

The Superintendent may set further procedures and schools may set additional rules to ensure this policy is

followed. The District may also make use of technology-based approaches, such as monitoring or blocking internet

access.

Students are responsible for safeguarding devices they bring to school. The District shall not be responsible for loss, theft, damages, or destruction of student owned devices brought onto school property.

Use of Devices

Any use of personal electronic devices at school or at school events shall comply with Procedure 3270P Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks. Student-owned electronic devices shall not be used in a manner that disrupts the educational process, including, but not limited to, posing a threat to academic integrity or violating confidentiality or privacy rights of another individual.

Access to the devices is a privilege and not a right. Each student will be required to follow the Acceptable Use of

Electronic Networks Policy.

Students may only access the internet through the filtered District connection, regardless of whether they are using

their personal device

Because power cords stretched out in classrooms become a safety issue both for the students and devices,

charging the device with such a cord in any classroom, hallway, or any other location that may be a safety concern

may be prohibited.

The use of cameras in any type of electronic device is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, restrooms, and

classrooms unless a certified District employee authorizes the student to do otherwise. Where students are

allowed to use electronic devices, they are required to obtain permission before taking a photograph or video of

any individual. Students must also obtain permission from any individual appearing in a photograph or video prior

to posting on any social networking site or other internet site.

Students found to be using any electronic communications device to in any way send or receive personal

messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on any student assessment, project,

or assignment shall be subject to discipline.

Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school and classroom teacher concerning

appropriate use of personal electronic devices.

Disciplinary Action

Students violating the provisions of this policy are subject to disciplinary action, which may include losing the

privilege of bringing the device onto school property, detention, and/or confiscation of the device until it is

retrieved by the student’s parent/guardian. If a student or a parent/guardian wishes to appeal such disciplinary

action, they can do so by submitting a written request for appeal to the building principal within __3___ school

days. If the decision being appealed was made by the building principal, the appeal may instead be made to the

Superintendent.

Violation of this policy may also result in suspension or expulsion, as described in Policy 3340 Corrective Actions

and Punishment, if appropriate.

Implementation & Review of Policy

The Board directs the Superintendent or their designee to inform staff, students, and parents/guardians about this

policy and how it will be implemented. The Board also directs the Superintendent or their designee to develop

practices that reinforce the importance of and ways of addressing:

1. Digital literacy lessons;

2. The effects of cyberbullying;

3. Privacy concerns; and

4. Online disinformation.

The Superintendent shall report to the Board each year about the effectiveness of this policy and shall recommend

changes to it as needed.

Legal References: Description:

Executive Order 2024-11 Phone Free Learning Act

Policy Checklist for LEAs by the Idaho Department of Education

Code: Description:

3270 District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

3270 District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

3270 District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment

3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment

Policy History:

Adopted on: 1/28/2025