CHAPTER 5.00 - STUDENTS

5.41 Student Use Of Cellular Telephones And Other Communication Devices

"Wireless communication devices" (WCDs) as used in this policy are defined in Bylaw  0100. The School Board is aware that WCDs are used by students and parents to  communicate with each other. However, the use of WCDs on school grounds must be  appropriately regulated to protect students, staff, and the learning environment. 

Students may not use WCDs during the school day. 

Guidelines for wireless communication devices (e.g., cell phones, headphones/earbuds,  smart watches, tablets) are as follows: 

Cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent during school hours. Cell phones  must be out of sight. If a cell phone is visible or a student is seen using a cell phone  during class, this will be considered a violation of the cell phone guidelines. 

Students may use WCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other  Board-provided vehicles at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom  teacher/sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. 

WCDs, including but not limited to those with cameras, may not be activated or utilized  at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy  exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to gymnasiums,  locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or  others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing  clothes. Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of  WCDs on school premises/property. 

Students who violate this provision and/or use a WCD to violate the privacy rights of  another person shall have their WCD confiscated and held until the end of the school  day, and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the  parent/guardian is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity, the  confiscated WCD may be turned over to law enforcement.

Possession of a WCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide  by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege. 

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the WCD. 

The building principal may also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if  the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). Discipline will  be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the  number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circumstances surrounding a  particular violation. If the WCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to 

the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary  consequences that are imposed, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity  in which case the WCD may be turned over to law enforcement. 

A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or  otherwise tamper with WCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the  search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules.  Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5.11 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a WCD to school  for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis. 

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their WCDs.  The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or  unauthorized use of WCDs brought onto its property.

Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during  the school day is by calling the school office. 

Students may ask permission to use school phones to contact parents/guardians during  the school day. This should be done between classes or during non-instructional time.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 847.0141 F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1003.02, 1003.32, 1006.07 F.S. 

History: Adopted: November 22, 2005 

Revision Dates: April 12, 2011, January 14, 2025 

Formerly: