Digital Literacy

Superintendent File: JICJA
STUDENT USE OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN SCHOOL

The Board of Education recognizes that Communication Devices (CDs) may be useful tools for students in the educational environment. However, anecdotal evidence along with a growing body of research shows that some students’ use of CDs has created  challenges with mental health, social and academic engagement at school, academic performance, and overall disruption to the educational environment. 

The Board of Education understands that, as with any technology, promoting students’ use and mastery of these devices should include the reasonable parameters of such appropriate use at school.   

For purposes of this policy, a CD is defined as any portable technology device that is capable of one or more of the following: internet access, making and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving messages, or creating and/or accessing non-school related digital content. 

Devices under this definition include, but are not limited to, cell phones (e.g., Android, iPhone, flip phones), wearables (e.g., smart watches, earbuds/headphones, smart eyeglasses), cameras, audio and/or video recorders and players, and all other handheld or mobile electronic communication and data storage devices. Laptops or tablets while used for school purposes are excluded from this definition.  

Subject to the exceptions set out below, the following minimum restrictions will apply for each grade level: 

• At DCSD elementary and middle schools, students with CDs must keep them silenced (no vibration or sound), stored, and not to be used during the entirety of the school day.  
• At DCSD high schools, students with CDs must keep them silenced (no vibration or sound), stored, and not to be used during the entirety of each class period.   

All students will store their CDs in area(s) determined by each school (e.g., backpacks, lockers, hanging phone pocket chart, phone box organizers) during the restricted time, except where: 

• supervising DCSD staff gives permission to a student(s) to use a CD for instructional purposes and/or to address an urgent situation that cannot be addressed through school communication options; and/or  
• the terms of a student’s 504 plan, Individual Education Plan (IEP), a documented health need (e.g., diabetes tracker), and/or any other state or federal law require the use of a CD(s).    

Violation of this policy or any other district, school, or classroom rule on student use of CDs will result in consequences and potential disciplinary measures, including temporary confiscation of the CDs. JICJA-R sets out guidance regarding consequences for violation of this policy.  

Student use of CDs with cameras and/or video recording capabilities is prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms or any other location where such use could violate another person's reasonable expectation of privacy.

Upon this policy’s approval, DCSD schools and student-facing programs may implement this policy when they deem appropriate, but no later than Monday, August 17, 2026.    

DCSD shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of a privately-owned CD brought onto district property and/or to school-sponsored activities or events off property or premises.

The Board of Education delegates authority to the Superintendent to establish a district policy addressing implementation. Such policy shall be consistent with the timelines, interests, and general processes set out herein and will be located at Superintendent File Policy JICJ-R. 

Adopted: April 21, 2026, replacing Policy JIHA, Student Communication Devices. 

  
LEGAL REFS.:
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CROSS REFS.:
JIC/JICDA, Student Conduct, and subcodes
JICJ-R, Student Use of Communication Devices in School
JIH, Searches
JK, Student  Discipline, and subcodes