Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

MSAD 75

Logo Title

File: JICJ – Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

Download File: JICJ

The M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board of Directors  recognizes that many students possess cell phones and other electronic devices. These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the instructional process or violates Board policies or school rules.

M.S.A.D. No. 75 shall not be responsible for the loss, theft or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices that students bring with them to school or school activities or use on school transportation.

The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices:

A. Students are prohibited from using privately-owned personal computers and electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, smartphones, audio players, handheld computers/PDAs, smartwatches, and electronic games at school or during school activities, except:

  1. When the Superintendent, teacher, or building principal authorizes use for a specific educational, health or safety purpose;
  2. When required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan; or
  3. In the case of an emergency.

B. While on any school campus or during school activities, during regular school hours all such devices must be turned off or silenced. At the middle and high school campuses smartwatches, cell phones, smartphones, and similar devices must be kept in the student’s locked security pouch.

  1. The provision of security pouches to students will be governed by school rules; students may be held responsible for the cost of replacing lost or damaged pouches.
  2. The Superintendent and school administrators may permit further use of personal electronic devices during school activities and will clearly communicate that exception to students.
  3. The use of privately-owned electronic devices on district-provided transportation to and from school for regular school hours is governed by Policy JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses or Other District-Provided Transportation.

C. Cell phones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner that infringes on the privacy rights of any other person. 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 another person.

D. School administrators may designate appropriate times and places during which audio players and other listening devices may be used (e.g., during lunch periods, study halls, or on school buses traveling to school activities).

E. When on school premises or using school networks, any use of personal electronic devices that violates Board policy, administrative procedure or school rules is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to 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.

F. The use of a cell phone or other electronic device in any manner that violates Board policy or school rules is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to harassment, cheating and violations of the student code of conduct. If a Board policy or school rule is violated, the teacher or school administrator may confiscate the device for the remainder of the school day. Student cell phones and other electronic devices may be subject to search pursuant to Board Policy JFG – Questioning and Searching Students, except that a student’s cell phone or other electronic device shall not be searched merely for simple possession or use.

G. Students who violate Board policy or school rules will be subject to disciplinary consequences which may include:

  1. Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day;
  2. A conference with the student’s parent/guardian;
  3. Exclusion of the device from school for an extended period of time;
  4. Penalties up to suspension or expulsion from school, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record; and
  5. Referral to law enforcement, in the case of illegal activity.

The Superintendent or their designee may develop additional rules to implement this policy. The policy and rules will be communicated to students and parents through the student handbook and/or the student code of conduct.

CROSS REFERENCE:

  • JIC – District-Wide Student Code of Conduct
  • JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses or Other District-Provided Transportation
  • JFG – Questioning and Searches of Students

FIRST READING: May 22, 2025
SECOND READING: June 26, 2025
ADOPTION: June 26, 2025