08/18/2026
PLEASE REVIEW:
NEPN/NSBA Code: JICJ
MSAD #37 POLICY
STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The Board affirms its responsibility to provide a safe, supportive, and focused learning environment that protects
the physical and psychological well-being of all students. Therefore, MSAD #37 establishes the following policy
to guide student use of cell phones and electronic devices in schools.
MSAD #37 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. All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connection connectivity capabilities, wearable or handheld, for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal bells, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.
Students are not permitted to carry/wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs 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 the following:
a) 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);
b) implementation of a student’s IEP;
c) a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology);
d) in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available;
e) or in emergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s health, safety, and emergency management plan.
B. 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, bullying, or cyberbullying.
academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism).
recording or sharing inappropriate content.
disrupting the learning environment.
other 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 if there is reasonable suspicion of a violation.
C. 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. After the 2 nd offense, parents/guardians will be required to come to the school to retrieve the device.
4. Exclusion of the device from school for an extended period of time;
D. More serious disciplinary consequences may include:
1. 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
2. Referral to law enforcement.In the event of a school emergency, the school/district will communicate with parents as promptly as possiblein accordance with the district’s Health, Safety, and Emergency Management Plan.
The Superintendent/designee may develop additional rules to implement this policy. The policy and ruleswill be communicated to students and parents through the student handbook and/or the student code of conduct.
Cross Reference: IJNDB—Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety
JIC–Student Code of Conduct
JIH–Questioning and Searches of Students
Adopted: February 27, 2019
Revised: March 25, 2026
