FILE:  JCDAE

Cf:  JD

ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof during the instructional day, or in any school bus used to transport public school students.  Use or operation of an electronic telecommunication device shall mean the device is either visible, turned on or is in a mode capable of receiving or transmitting signals.  The instructional day shall begin at the time students arrive on campus prior to the take-in bell and conclude upon the dismissal bell at the end of the day. 

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall possess, on his/her person, an electronic telecommunication device throughout the instructional day, including wearable technology capable of sending or receiving text messages and other similar notifications.

If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during an instructional day, the electronic device shall either be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day or prohibited from being turned on and used during the instructional day.  Electronic telecommunication devices, shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, wearable technology such as smartwatches, tablet devices, e-readers, or similar devices.

Cell phones shall be turned off at all times and not displayed in any way and shall be stowed in the student’s locker, school bag, purse, or pants pocket.   It shall not be allowed for the phone to be left hanging on the outside of a pocket on a clip or holster.  

Students shall be allowed to possess a cell phone during any school-sponsored event, including extracurricular activities, athletic competitions, and field trips which take place during an instructional day, but the use of cell phones shall be strictly prohibited unless authorized by the principal or school designee.

These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.

Possession and/or use of other electronic and telecommunication devices such as iPods, iPads, MP3, CD players, by students shall be strictly prohibited unless authorized by the principal of school designee.  The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices.

During the instructional day, parents or guardians may contact students through the school’s office.

Students shall not utilize school-issued devices to access personal messaging features and social media accounts not used for educational purposes.

A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension and/or expulsion from school as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Nothing shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device in the event of an emergency.  Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage. 

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741 Louisiana Department of Education

Board minutes, 10-22-03, 5-2-06, 7-7-15, 8-6-24, 3-4-25

Lincoln Parish School Board