JFCEB-AR : Personal Communication Devices

Name: Personal Communication Devices
Section: Students
Code: JFCEB-AR
Article Date: October 11, 2010

JFCEB-AR: Personal Communication Devices

1. Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

1. Students may be allowed to use and possess personal communications devices on district property and at district sponsored activities provided that such devices are not used in any manner that may disrupt the learning environment or district sponsored activities, or that violates district policies, administrative regulations, school or classroom rules, or state or federal law.
2. Personal communications devices which have the capability to take “photographs” or videos shall not be used for such purposes while on district property or while a student is engaged in school-sponsored activities, unless as expressly authorized in advance by the building principal or designee.
3. The use of personal communication devices to send or receive messages, data or information in any manner that would pose a threat to academic integrity, disrupt or interfere with school investigations, contribute to or constitute academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited.
4. The use of personal communication devices in any manner that would violate the confidentiality or privacy rights of another individual is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to “sexting.”
5. Personal communication devices may only be used during non-instructional time such as during lunch, passing periods, or before or after school. Personal communication devices shall be stowed away and in silent mode turned off during instructional time, unless a district representative specifically authorizes the use of such a device during instructional time.

2. Exceptions for Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

1. Exceptions to the prohibitions set forth in this regulation may be made for health, safety or emergency reasons with prior building principal or designee approval or when use is provided for in a student’s individualized education program (IEP).

3. Violation of Regulation on Student Use of Personal Communication Devices

1. Students are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for using a personal communication device in any manner that is academically dishonest, illegal or violates the terms of this regulation.
2. A referral to law enforcement officials may also be made.
3. Personal communication devices used in violation of this regulation are subject to confiscation and will be released to the student’s parent or property owner, as appropriate. The data contained within personal communication devices that have been confiscated will not be searched unless the district has reasonable suspicion that it contains evidence of a violation of a school policy, regulation, or state or federal law.

4. District Disclaimer of Liability

1. The district will not be liable for personal communication devices, or any data contained within personal communications devices brought onto district property or to district sponsored activities. The district will also not be liable for any unauthorized electronic content posted by, or exchanged among or between, students using personal communication devices while on school property or during district sponsored activities.

5. Definitions

1. As used in this administrative regulation, a “personal communication device” is a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays messages, or otherwise summons or delivers acommunication to the possessor of the device. These devices include, but are not limited to, walkie-talkies, long- or short-range portable radios, portable scanning devices, cellular telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, digital audio devices (such as iPods or MP3 players), iPads, electronic readers, or similar devices with wireless capability.
2. As used in this administrative regulation, “social media” means interactive websites that allow electronic communication among and between its users, such as but not limited to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or Formspring.
3. As used in this administrative regulation, “sexting” means the exchange of sexually explicit messages or images via text or instant messaging features on personal communications devices.

END OF REGULATION

Reviewed by LC: 6/5/06, 5/18/09, 10/11/10
Approved by the LC: 6/12/06, 5/18/09,10/22/10