HomeMy WebLinkAbout3265 Student Owned Electronic Communication DevicesSTUDENTS 3265
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Bonneville Joint School District No. 93
STUDENT OWNED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Students may possess personal electronic devices on school property. Use of these
devices during instructional time is regulated to promote focused learning and minimize
distractions. Access to personal devices is a privilege, not a right, and must never
disrupt the educational process, threaten academic integrity, or violate privacy rights.
Students are responsible for safeguarding their devices. The District is not liable for
loss, theft, or damage of personal devices brought to school.
Guidelines
Elementary Students (Grades K–6)
1. Use of cell phones and electronic devices is prohibited during all instructional
time and non-instructional periods on campus, except as part of teacher-directed
educational activities with explicit permission.
2. Devices must be silenced and stored out of sight during the entire school day unless
otherwise authorized by staff for learning purposes.
3. Teachers will not permit personal device use independently by elementary students
to reduce distractions and support developmentally appropriate learning
environments.
4. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans
requiring device use will be accommodated per their plans.
5. Elementary students may use devices before and after school hours but are
expected to follow the same rules if on campus.
Secondary Students (Grades 7–12)
1. Cell phone and electronic device use is prohibited during instructional time
except under a structured Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light procedure
controlled by the teacher:
a. Green Light: This signal indicates that electronic device use is fully permitted
and encouraged for specific, teacher-approved educational activities.
Examples include conducting research, collaborating on group projects using
digital tools, accessing instructional apps, or other learning tasks where
devices enhance engagement and understanding. During Green Light
periods, students are expected to use devices responsibly and stay on task,
maximizing their educational value.
b. Yellow Light: This status represents a limited or monitored use of devices,
typically for narrowly defined instructional purposes or transitions. For
instance, students may be allowed to use devices to check a quick fact,
respond to a digital prompt, or complete a small part of an assignment, but
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Bonneville Joint School District No. 93
under close teacher supervision to prevent off-task behavior or distractions.
Yellow Light encourages mindful, purposeful use without allowing unrestricted
access.
c. Red Light: Red Light means no electronic device use is permitted. All cell
phones and devices must be silenced, turned off or set aside, and kept out of
sight. This status is used during direct instruction, assessments, discussions,
or any activity where device use would distract students or disrupt the
learning environment.
2. Teachers will clearly communicate the light status during lessons. Students must
comply with the current status to avoid disciplinary actions.
3. Devices may be used freely during non-instructional times such as passing periods,
lunch, and recess unless restricted by building rules.
4. Students with IEPs or 504 plans requiring device use during instruction will be
accommodated per their plans.
General for All Students
1. All students must comply with District policies #3270 (Computer Use Agreement),
#3275 (Wireless Internet Access), and #3279 (Internet Publishing) when using any
electronic devices.
2. Use of cameras on devices is prohibited in private areas (locker rooms, restrooms)
and requires staff permission before photographing or recording others in
educational settings.
3. The District does not provide technical support for personal devices. Charging
devices during school hours is prohibited in classrooms, hallways, or other areas
where cords create hazards.
Discipline
1. Teachers will manage violations of device use rules with interventions such as:
a. Reminding students of expectations and current light status (secondary) or
no-use rule (elementary);
b. Temporarily confiscating devices for the remainder of the class or school day;
c. Conducting student conferences to reinforce behavior standards;
d. Notifying parents or guardians for repeated or serious violations.
2. Repeated or severe violations will be referred to the principal/designee for formal
disciplinary action consistent with the District Code of Student Conduct, including:
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Bonneville Joint School District No. 93
a. Confiscated by the teacher and taken to the office; devices will be securely
held until retrieved by the student’s parent or guardian. Parents/guardians will
be notified promptly and provided instructions for pickup within a reasonable
timeframe.
b. Loss of privilege to bring devices on campus;
c. Detention, suspension, or other discipline as appropriate.
3. Discipline will be applied fairly and consistently, considering individual circumstances
and accommodations.
4. Law enforcement will be contacted only when necessary.
Communication and Implementation
1. The District will communicate the differentiated device use policy and rationale
annually to students, staff, and families.
2. Professional development will support staff in consistent implementation of the light
system for secondary classrooms and no-use enforcement in elementary settings.
3. Families will be engaged as partners in promoting responsible device use and
minimizing distractions.
4. Visual cues or signage may be used in classrooms to indicate device use status
(secondary) and reinforce expectations (elementary).
DEFINITION
Electronic Communication Devices: devices that connect via cellular networks, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies. Examples of such devices may include, but is
not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, e -readers, portable gaming
devices, wireless headphones, and any similar current or future technologies.
Adopted 06-08-2005 Reviewed Revised 08-13-2025
Cross Reference:
#3270 Computer Use Agreement
#3275 Wireless Internet Access
#3279 Internet Publishing
District Code of Student Conduct
Legal Reference:
Idaho Code § 33-506(1) Organization and government of board of trustees
Idaho “Distraction-Free Learning” law requiring limitation of electronic device use during
instruction