Personal Electronic Device (PED) Grades 7-12 Procedures

Purpose: To balance responsible device use with maintaining academic focus and integrity.

Note: Schools may impose restrictions or violation consequences beyond what is outlined here, but must notify parents and students annually at the beginning of the school year.

1. Students may use personal electronic devices (PEDs) only during non-instructional times (e.g., before and after school, during lunch, and during passing periods).
2. PEDs must be powered off or on silent mode while on campus and remain so from the first bell to the last bell during school hours.
3. Students who choose to bring PEDs to school do so at their own risk. The school district assumes no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged devices.
4. Students who violate these rules may be subject to removal from school and have their electronic devices confiscated for a specified period.

Permitted Use

1. Unless restricted by school administration, PED use during passing periods or lunch is permitted, as long as it does not create a distraction, disruption, or cause the student to be tardy for the next class period.
2. To respond to an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual.
3. To respond to a school-wide emergency.
4. To use the SafeUT Crisis Line.
5. According to a student's IEP or 504 accommodation plan (e.g., medical reasons with documentation).
6. To address a medical necessity.
7. While on school property or participating in a school function, cameras and audio recorders may only be used for specific educational benefits and only with prior permission of the teacher or administrator.
8. During instructional time, students may contact home via the office or use their PED with staff permission.

Expectations During Class

A. Unless specified by the teacher, use of PEDs (watches, earbuds, etc.), are prohibited in classrooms, locker rooms, restrooms, and shower facilities. See “Privacy in Bathrooms, Locker Rooms, and/or Dressing Areas” section below.

B. PEDs must be off or in silent mode. With the exception of a watch not being used as a PED, all PEDs should be stored out of sight or in a teacher-designated location. (SB178- (3) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a student may not use a cellphone, smart watch, or emerging technology at a school during classroom hours.) Teachers have the authority to allow PED use during their respective class times for approved educational activities only. Students should never be disadvantaged or penalized in classroom settings for not having access to a PED.

C. No unauthorized texting, video, audio, or social media use.

Use of Cellular Devices on Buses or During School Activities

A. PED usage by students while riding to and from school on the bus, or on the bus during school-sponsored activities, is at the discretion of the bus driver and/or the student advisor/supervisor.

B. Cameras and audio recorders may not be used on the bus.

C. The CCSD Appropriate Use Policy applies to PED use on buses or during school activities.

Violation Consequences: Failure to adhere to the guidelines above may result in disciplinary measures such as:

A. 1st Violation: Verbal warning. Students may be asked to turn off their devices in the presence of the teacher and may also be asked to put their devices away.

B. 2nd Violation: Devices may be taken away until the end of the day and picked up by the student. Offense will be logged in PowerSchool, and the parent will be notified.

C. 3rd Violation: A parent conference is required, and the parent must retrieve the device. Devices may be taken away from the student and must be picked up by the student’s parents during school hours or after school. Consultation with a school administrator may be required by the parent/guardian and/or the student. Offense will be logged in PowerSchool.

D. 4th+ Violations: Students may lose the privilege to use devices on district property. Offense will be logged in PowerSchool.

E.  Note: Personal Electronic Devices (e.g., cell phones) used to record confrontations or altercations may be confiscated, retained, and used as evidence for as long as necessary to support investigations or disciplinary actions.

Privacy in Bathrooms, Locker Rooms, and/or Dressing Areas

1. Individuals who use school district bathrooms, locker rooms and/or dressing areas have a right to a safe environment, which includes a reasonable assurance that the District will not tolerate the use of audio or visual recording devices, including a cell phone, in changing areas, rest rooms, or locker rooms, to record or transfer images or recordings from these areas. To ensure the privacy of all individuals is protected, the District has adopted these regulations to prevent any violation of this right.

a. When the District has reason to believe that any person has violated this prohibition regarding the transmission of pictures of persons from the bathroom, locker room, and/or dressing area, or has, in any other way, violated the right of privacy within these areas, the building principal shall contact local law enforcement representatives and make the appropriate reports.

b. School officials have the right to confiscate any recording device if there is reasonable suspicion that it has been used in violation of this policy. School administrators and/or local law enforcement representatives may search the contents of that device to ensure that images have not been taken or transmitted from within the locker room and/or dressing area.

c. Any person violating this policy may be subject to prosecution and face suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.

Staff Responsibility

A.    Teachers will review the policy with students at the beginning of each term and report any repeat violations.

B.     Flexibility for PED use will be allowed in emergency situations. However, PED use should not interfere with the students' ability to follow directions or adhere to safety advice from school personnel. School staff will coordinate emergency contact and messaging.

 

Approved by District Administration: August 28, 2025

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