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Regulation-Code-JICJ-R

Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices Regulation

Section J - Students

Regulation Title: Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices
Regulation Code: JICJ-R

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In order for students to focus on learning, Tucson Unified School District tries to minimize distractions and interruptions to all instructional time. Based on the importance of this instructional time, phones and electronic signaling devices will not be allowed to be visible or used. All students are required to adhere to the following guidelines regarding cell phones and other electronic signaling devices.

Cell phones and electronic signaling devices may be used:

  • on or off campus before or after school.
  • during lunch for high school students only.
  • during an emergency, including a medical emergency or a school-designated 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.
  • by a student who must use it because of a documented medical condition. 
  • if a teacher approves the use for educational activities conducted in their own classroom.
  • 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 the Governing Board Policy ABB.
  • for cheating.

Consequences
Students who violate the above guidelines shall be deemed to have created a disruption in the educational environment and are subject to disciplinary action. The severity of the disruption and whether other policies were also violated will determine the appropriate discipline. The Governing Board policy on Student Discipline will be used as the guideline for disciplinary action.

Phones or Electronic Signaling Devices Confiscated
Phones or Electronic Signaling Devices may be confiscated for disciplinary reasons.

  • First offense, students may pick up their phone or electronic signaling device from the teacher at the end of the class period or
  • Second offense or multiple infractions, the student's parent must pick up the cell phone or electronic signaling device from the Principal's Office.
  • If any criminal violations may have been allegedly committed, the phone or electronic signaling device may be held or turned over to District administration or police for evidence.

School-Specific Guidelines
Each school must develop guidelines for how students and parents can get in contact with each other during the school day.  Schools may also develop additional guidelines for student cell phone use not inconsistent with the rules set forth in this regulation and in Policy JICJ.  Schools must submit copies of their school-specific guidelines to their Regional Assistant Superintendent for review.

Each school will notify parents of these school guidelines at the beginning of each school year.  That notification will include a copy of Policy JICJ and Regulation JICJ-R.

Reviewed: June 24, 2005 - [To Board in Friday Report]
Revision: August 25, 2006 - [To Board in Friday Report]
Reviewed: August 21, 2021
Revised:  July 10, 2025

Cross Ref:
JICJ - Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Signaling Devices;
JK- Student Discipline;
Student Code of Conduct

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