FILE:  H-3.3f

Cf:  H-3.5

STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof during regular school hours, or in any school bus used to transport public school students.

No student shall possess, on his/her person, an electronic telecommunication device throughout the instructional day, including wearable technology capable of sending or receiving text messages and other similar notifications. The instructional day shall begin at 6:45 a.m. and conclude upon dismissal at the end of the day. 

If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during an instructional day, the electronic device shall either be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day or prohibited from being turned on and used during the instructional day.  Electronic telecommunication devices shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, wearable technology such as smartwatches, tablet devices, e-readers, or similar devices.

These provisions shall also apply to any school-sponsored event, including athletic competitions and field trips, which take place during an instructional day.

These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.

A properly authorized medical device worn by a student shall not be considered to be in violation of this policy.

During the instructional day, parents or guardians may contact students through the school’s office.

Students shall not utilize school-issued devices to access personal messaging features and social media accounts not used for educational purposes.

The use, operation, or visual display of any devices during the hours of prohibited use Violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary consequences as listed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Use or operation of an electronic telecommunication device shall mean the device is either visible, turned on or is in a mode capable of receiving or transmitting signals and shall include any visual accessories connected to the device.  Visual display shall include any observable protrusion on any clothing or pocket (pants, shirt, or jacket), or in a book bag or purse.

The Central Community School Board shall not be responsible for any electronic devices, including cell phones, lost or damaged while on School Board property.

In the event of an emergency, any person may use any electronic device available.  Emergency shall be defined as an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

Revised:  September 9, 2024

Revised:  March 10, 2025

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Board minutes, 9-9-24, 3-10-25

Central Community School Board