3245 Students and Electronic Devices

Students in possession of electronic devices, including but not limited to cellular phones, telecommunication devices, gaming devices, tablets, headphones, earbuds, or other Bluetooth devices, while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities will observe the following conditions:

1. While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, students will not use personal telecommunication devices including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, and cellular phones, in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment, or violates the privacy rights of others.

2. Electronic devices may be turned on and operated if an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device.

3. Students who require cell phones to manage chronic health conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, must be permitted to access their devices as needed to monitor and respond to their health needs. This may include checking blood glucose levels, responding to device alarms, or communicating with parents/guardians or medical professionals. Students may use their cell phones in the classroom or step into the hallway if preferred by the teacher. Staff should be aware that these devices may produce alerts requiring immediate attention. While some students may independently manage their health, they may still need to use their phones to access medical applications or communicate with a guardian. School personnel should provide appropriate accommodations to ensure students can safely and discreetly manage their health without unnecessary disruption to learning.

4. Students will not send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events, or on school buses or vehicles provided by the district.

5. When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that a student is using an electronic device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the official may confiscate or with reasonable cause search the device, which will only be returned to the student’s parent/guardian.

6. By bringing a cell phone or other electronic device to school or school sponsored events, the student and their parents/guardians’ consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement.

7. Students are responsible for devices they bring to school. The district will not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property, to school-sponsored events, or to school-related activities.

8. Students will comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of electronic devices.

9. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Cross References

Policy 4310: District Relationships with Law Enforcement and Other Government Agencies