Student possession of electronic devices on school grounds and school buses is a privilege for communication with parents and/or law enforcement; and/or for the purpose of teacher-directed and approved research and instructional practice at the high school level. Electronic devices include but are not limited to the following: cell phones; computers; smart watches; portable game units; digital media players, other mechanisms that enable users to communicate electronically person-to-person or through internet social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter). The use of TikTok or any successor platform (including, but not limited to, QQ, WeChat, VKontakte, Kaspersky) is prohibited on District-owned devices, through Internet access provided by the District, or as a platform to communicate or promote any school, school-sponsored club, extra-curricular organization, or school athletic team.
In order to preserve the proper educational environment and prevent disturbances, the following conditions must be observed:
- A student may possess a wireless communications device while the student is on school property or in attendance at a school function; however, elementary and middle school students may not use a wireless communications device during the school day. High school students may not use a wireless communications device during instructional time except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.
- A driver, supervisor, administrator, or bus attendant/aid may prohibit a student from using a cell phone and/or other electronic communication devices on the bus if the student is found to create a disruption or possess inappropriate content on the device (see Rule 5 – Bus Regulations).
- The Principal may grant permission to use a cellular phone in the presence of an administrator for an emergency when other means of communication are not available (e.g., school phone).
- The use of electronic devices while at school or on buses to record sound or visual images without the consent of the person being recorded or photographed is strictly prohibited.
- The student may be disciplined for inappropriate content stored on electronic devices brought to school, school functions, and/or on the school bus.
- The following will result in student discipline at school: refusal to turn off an electronic device when told to by a teacher, administrator, coach, counselor, or other school official; damaging an electronic device owned by the school; causing a disruption; using an electronic device to cheat, including getting and giving answers to tests and copying from the internet; using the electronic device to bully, threaten, harass, attack another student or school personnel whether or not communicated directly to that person; sending (or asking to receive) pictures or videos of people who are partially or completely undressed, or are pretending to or actually performing a sexual act.
- The school may impose consequences to students who misuse electronic devices away from school on their own time if both of the following are true: The student’s use of the electronic device causes significant disruption at school or serious emotional, physical, or psychological harm to the school, other students, or school personnel and the student knew, or should have known, that the harm would happen.
- All school issued devices are for educational and instructional purposes only. Students are responsible for their devices and the contents searched and stored on their devices. Inappropriate use is strictly prohibited.
- All Technology/Internet Use policies will be strictly enforced concerning student electronic devices. Loss/Theft of personal items at school or on the bus is not the responsibility of the school or District.
Authority: HB 379, F.S. 112.22(1)(f), F.S. 1006.07 – 1006.09, Board Policy 5136 (Electronic Devices)
