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Policy-Code-JICJ

Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices

Section J - Students

Policy Title: Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices
Policy Code: JICJ

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For purposes of this policy, "electronic devices" include, but are not limited to, cell phones, Mp3 players, iPods, personal digital assistants (PDA's), e-book readers, compact disc players, portable game consoles, cameras, digital scanners, lap top computers, tablet computers and other electronic or battery powered instruments which transmit voice, text, or data from one person to another.

Students may possess and use cellular telephones and/or other electronic signaling devices subject to limitations of this and other policies of the District under the following conditions and guidelines:

  • Cell phones and/or electronic devices are to be kept out of view in a student's locker, pocket, or a carrying bag.
  • The use of such devices shall be limited when students are at school, including during meals, passing periods, and recess, except under the following circumstances:
    • On or off campus before or after school;
    • During lunch for high school students only;
    • The use is for educational purposes, as directed by the student’s teacher;
    • There is an emergency- including a medical emergency or schooldesignated emergency, such as a lockdown or fire;
    • Following a school state of emergency; the school principal or designee may allow contact with parents for a designated time period;
    • The student needs to use the device because the student has a documented medical condition; or
    • If a teacher/coach approves the use during extended trips and sporting events.
  • Unless subject to one of the above exceptions, cell phones and electronic signaling devices may NOT be used:
    • during instructional classroom time, including assemblies or other activities, which take place during the regularly scheduled classroom periods;
    • during passing periods or recess;
    • during elementary and middle school students’ lunch periods, unless an administrative approval has been obtained;
    • on field trips or excursions conducted during the normal school day and during regular classroom instructional hours;
    • to take pictures or recordings at any time that violate personal privacy, as set forth in Governing Board Policy ABB; or
    • for cheating.
  • The principal shall establish additional guidelines appropriate to campus needs.  Such guidelines shall include procedures for a student’s parent to contact the student during the school day and procedures for a student to contact their parent during the school day.
  • Students violating the policy may have the electronic device confiscated and be subject to disciplinary action.  Reasonable efforts will be taken to secure property that has been confiscated; however, neither the School District nor the School District Staff is responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any electronic device including but not limited to cell phones, laptops, tablet computers, portable media player brought to school, even if loss, damage or theft results from the device being confiscated.
  • Any search of the contents of an electronic device shall be by an administrator.  An administrator may only search an electronic device if they have reasonable suspicion that the device contains evidence of a violation of the TUSD Student Code of Conduct.  Any such search must be limited in scope to the portion of the device (i.e., the phone app, file folder, photo gallery, etc.) in which there is reasonable suspicion to believe the evidence is contained. Administrators may not search an electronic device where the only suspected violation is the improper possession of the device.

At the beginning of each school year, each school shall notify its parents of this policy, and any school procedures required under this policy.

Adopted:  June 21, 2005
Revised:  July 24, 2012
Revised:  August 23, 2022
Revised:  September 16, 2025

LEGAL REF.:  A.R.S. § 15-120.05

CROSS REF:  Policies JB Equal Education Opportunities – Anti-Harassment
JICJ-R Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices Regulation
JIH – Student Interviews, Searches and Arrests

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