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JICJ - STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOLS

The Cape Elizabeth School Board recognizes that many students possess cell phones and other electronic devices. These devices may not be used during the school day.  The intent of this policy is to support a focused learning environment, minimize distractions, and promote student social and emotional well-being by regulating the use of student personal cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day.

This policy applies to all student personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connection connectivity capabilities, wearable or handheld.  

BELL TO BELL PROHIBITION

All students, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.

Students are not permitted to access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day. Cell phones, smart watches and other PEDs need to be off, away, and students may not access them during the school day.

  • Prior to the starting bell, cell phones and other PEDs must be powered off and remain off and stored as determined by the building administrator.

  • Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in accordance with a health care provider’s order as incorporated into the student’s individual health plan (IHP) (e.g., glucose monitoring); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology); in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available; or in an emergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s health and safety and emergency management plan.

At all grade levels, violations of this policy may result in discipline measures as determined by each school.  

In the event of a school emergency, the school/district will communicate with parents as promptly as possible in accordance with the school unit’s Health and Safety and Emergency Management Plan.

The school unit will not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to students’ personally owned cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs brought into schools or onto school property, including school buses, parking lots, athletic fields and/or any other school facilities.

The Superintendent/building administrators will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures to implement/enforce this policy; including disciplinary actions.  Students and parents will be provided notice of this policy and corresponding procedures through student handbooks and/or other means of communication prior to the beginning of the school year.  A list of prohibited devices will be maintained by the school department, and updated annually or as needed.

 

Legal Reference:

  • 20-A MRSA § 1001(23)

Cross Reference:    

Adopted:

  • February 9, 2021

Revised:

  • June 9, 2026

Word version

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