SBDM Policy: Cell Phone/Telecommunication Devices
Purpose: To ensure a focused and productive learning environment, the use of cell phones and smart watches during the entirety of the school day is strictly prohibited, except in cases of emergency or medical necessity.
Definition: Personal telecommunication device is defined in KRS 158.165 and includes, but is not limited to, cellular telephones, personal tablets, pagers, walkie-talkies, headphones; MP3 players, and video gaming systems and smart watches. The restrictions for student use of a cell phone in a school-based cell phone policy required by this policy and Administrative Procedure 09.4261 AP.3 shall apply to all student use of any personal telecommunications device.
Policy:
Prohibited Use:
Students are not allowed to use cell phones or smart watches during the entirety of the school day.
Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored out of sight during the entirety of the school day.
Exceptions:
In the event of an emergency, students may use their cell phones to contact emergency services or family members.
Additional exceptions as outlined in JCPS Board policy 09.4261 Telecommunication Devices.
Consequences:
When a student violates the prohibitions of the school-based cell phone policy required under this policy and Administrative Procedure 09.4261 AP.3, the student shall be subject to interventions and consequences set forth in the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook (SSBIH), including but not limited to losing the privilege of bringing the cell phone onto school property and being reported to the student’s parent/guardian.
Responsibility:
Students are responsible for ensuring their cell phones are turned off or set to silent mode and stored appropriately during the entirety of the school day.
Students are responsible for following the District’s Student Acceptable Use Policy.
Communication:
This policy will be communicated to students and parents at the beginning of the school year and will be included in the student/school handbook.
Review:
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure it remains effective and relevant. This review may investigate the overall fidelity of implementation; changes to the amount of cell phone use by students; and the impact on behavior referrals, school culture, and student access to learning.