3245: Students and Telecommunication Devices

Students in possession of telecommunications devices, including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers and cellular phones, while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities will observe the following conditions:

1. Telecommunication devices will be turned on and operated only before and after the regular school day and during the student’s lunch break, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a school administrator authorizes the student to use the device;
2. Students will not use telecommunication devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment or violates the privacy rights of others;
3. Students will not send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on school grounds, at school sponsored events or on school buses or vehicles provided by the district;
4. When a school official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that a student is using a telecommunications device in a manner that violates the law or school rules, the official may confiscate the device, which will only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian, or law enforcement;
5. By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to school or school-sponsored events, the student and their parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable facts, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or school rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement;
6. 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;
7. Students will comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices; and
8. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Cross References

• Board Policy 2022 Electronic Resources
• 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
• 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment
• 4310 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies, Child Protective Agencies and County Health Officials

Management Resources

1. Policy News, October 2010 Students and Telecommunication Devices Revisited
2. Policy News, June 2010 Students and Sexting Policy News, February 2004 Evolution of Cell Phone Use