Policy 5136: Personal Communication Devices

To support school environments in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the Board of Education of The Northeastern Local School District has determined the use of PCDs by students during school hours should be limited. The objective of this policy is to strengthen the district’s focus on learning, in alignment with our mission to ignite students’ passion for learning, cultivate a strong foundation of knowledge, and foster a sense of community within our schools.

For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" (PCD) includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindle-like devices), PCDs, smartphones (e.g., iPhones, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.), listening devices such as Air Pods or other devices, and/or other web-enabled devices of any type. This does not include Chromebooks provided to students by the school district. These devices contain district curriculum and have safety features such as firewalls. Some students may have permission to use personal computers instead of school-issued Chromebooks. These students are expected to follow school rules for using personal devices, which includes prior permission from school administration.

I. Research shows that student use of PCDs in schools has negative effects on student performance and mental health. PCDs distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and lower test scores. Increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in children.

II. Applicability - This policy applies to the use of PCDs by students while on school property during school hours.

III. Use of PCDs - Students are prohibited from using PCDs during school instructional hours. This also includes non-instructional times such as lunchtime, study hall, etc., unless an exception is granted by building administration and clearly defined in administration guidelines and student handbooks.

Exceptions outside of the school day include:

A. Students may use PCDs before and after school (e.g., extra-curricular activities) as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption, or otherwise interfere with the educational environment.
B. Students may use PCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other Board-provided vehicles or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, or sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
C. Under certain circumstances, a student may keep his/her PCD on with prior approval from the Principal/Staff Member. Students/parents should check with building administration when inquiring about the proper procedure for registering devices.
D. A student may use a cell phone to monitor or address a health concern. The parent must provide documentation to validate this request.
E. It may be necessary for CCP students to access their PCD as it relates to their college coursework. These students must seek clearance from a building administrator. The list of students using PDCs for CCP work should be communicated to the appropriate staff.

IV. Exception - Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a cell phone for a purpose documented in the student’s individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323 of the Ohio Revised Code or a plan developed under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794.

V. Cell phone storage - Students shall keep their PCDs powered off and in a secure place. Students may retain possession of their devices, but it must be “put away” and turned off. Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.

Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.

VI. Discipline If a student violates this policy, a teacher or administrator shall take the following progressively serious disciplinary measures:

A. Give the student a documented verbal warning and require the student to store the student’s cell phone in accordance with this policy.
B. Securely store the student’s cell phone in a teacher- or administrator-controlled locker, bin, or drawer for the duration of the class or period or school day.
C. Continued violations will result in progressive disciplinary action which may include detention, in-school suspension, out of school suspension as appropriate and administered by the school administration.

VII. Recording and Privacy Issues

Students and parents are expressly prohibited from using covert means to listen-in or make a recording (audio or video) of any meeting or activity at school. This includes placing recording devices, or other devices with one - or two-way audio communication technology (i.e., technology that allows a person off-site to listen to live conversations and sounds taking place in the location where the device is located), within a student's book bag or on the student's person without express written consent of the Superintendent.

Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.

Students may not use a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: 1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and 2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.

Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.

Last Revised: October 17, 2024