Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
To support student learning, safety, and well-being, Meridian School District establishes consistent expectations for the use of personal electronic devices including cell phones, and similar technology, during the school day. This policy applies to all students and is enforced consistently across classrooms, grade levels and school buildings.
During instructional time, personal electronic devices will be silenced and out of sight. This means that personal electronic devices may be stored in a backpack, purse, pocket, locker, or another location where they are not visible or accessible during instruction.
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 or to school sponsored events.
Elementary School: Devices must be silenced and out of sight during the school day unless authorized for instructional or health purposes.
Middle and High School: Personal electronic devices must be silenced and out of sight during all instructional times throughout the school day. Permitted use only includes: Before and after school, during lunch, during passing time and in class only with explicit staff permission.
Exceptions:
1. With administrator approval teachers may give permission for students to use personal electronic devices during class for instructional or educational use. The purpose of this exception is to provide equitable access to learning and to allow use of devices when it enhances learning opportunities and is incorporated into classroom instructional plans. This exception does not allow students to use personal electronic devices for non-instructional activities during class, including when students have completed their assigned work before the end of the class period.
2. This policy does not prohibit students from using personal electronic devices during the school day in accordance with an approved accommodation plan, including accommodations documented in an individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 plan, or individual health plan.
Prohibited Use:
Students are not permitted to use cell phones in classrooms or designated device-free zones, during instructional time, including when leaving class for restroom or office visits, for recording, photographing or sharing content without consent, or for accessing or sharing inappropriate or explicit content.
Device-free zones include bathrooms, locker rooms and other clearly marked and designated areas.
Parent/Guardian Notification:
Parents or guardians are notified if a device is confiscated during the school day. If violations continue, parents/guardians will work with school administrators to develop a plan to prevent future incidents.
Communication Between Students and Families During the School Day
1. For elementary school: As outlined in this policy, elementary students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during the school day, including to check or respond to messages from their family. Families should contact the school directly if they need to communicate with their student during the school day.
2. For middle and high school: As outlined in this policy, middle and high school students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices during instructional times, including to check or respond to messages. Families should not expect that students will be able to respond to messages during class and should contact the school directly if they need to communicate with their student during instructional times.
3. Personal or family emergencies: In cases of a personal or family emergency, a student may use their personal electronic device briefly, with the permission of a staff member.
Digital Citizenship:
The district will provide structured digital citizenship education to promote responsible use, self-regulation and online safety in alignment with Policy 2023 – Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy.
Cross References:
Board Policy 4310 – District Relationships with Law Enforcement and other Government Agencies
Board Policy 3241 – Student Discipline
Board Policy 3207 – Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Board Policy 2022 – Electronic Resources and Internet Safety
Board Policy 2023 – Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy
Management Resources:
2019 – October Issue
2010 – October Issue
2010 – June Issue
Policy News, February 2004 Evolution of Cell Phone Use
Adoption Date: 08/20/09
Classification: Important
Revised Dates: 08/28/13; 03/19/20; 07/29/26