Limiting Student Use of Cell Phones in K-12 Classrooms

Prior to task force meetings, ALEC posts these legislative member-submitted draft model policies to our website. The draft model policies are then discussed, debated, and voted on by ALEC task force members. Policies that receive final approval by legislators on the ALEC Board of Directors become official ALEC model policy. Draft model policies that fail to become official ALEC model policy are removed from the website.

Policy Status

  • Type: Model Policy
  • Status: Draft
  • Date Introduced: December 4, 2024

Issues

  • Education

    • Task Forces

  • Education and Workforce Development
  • Communications and Technology

    • Tags

  • SNPS 2024

    • Summary

    Summary: This model requires K-12 public school students to deposit their mobile phones in a secure container during instructional time. Exceptions are made for students who may have a need for their mobile device (for example, students with diabetes or other medical conditions who require access to their cell phone for medical purposes) or have permission from a teacher to use the mobile device for educational purposes.
    Draft

    Limiting Student Use of Cell Phones in K-12 Classrooms

    Section 1. Definitions.

    (A) “Instructional time” is time during which students are participating in an approved course, curriculum, or other educationally-related activity under the direction of a teacher. The term does not include a period of time between classes, lunch, or recess.

    (B) “Mobile device” means a personal mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication device, not owned by a public school entity or issued by a public school entity to a student, with which a user can engage in a call or write or send a message. The term also includes a device in which the user can play a game or watch a video.

    (C) “Public school entity” includes all public schools in this state, except for charter schools operating pursuant to [insert reference to charter school statute].

    Section 2. Possession and Use of Mobile Devices.

    (A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a student of a public school entity may not possess or use a mobile device during instructional time in a school building of the public school entity.

    (B) Each governing body of a public school entity shall adopt policies and procedures that establish a student cell phone use policy. Such policies and procedures shall restrict or eliminate cell phone use during instructional time.

    (C) The policies and procedures adopted under subsection (B) of this section shall:

    (a) Specify procedures for a student to deposit their mobile device in a lockbox, case, pouch with a locking mechanism, or other secure location during instructional time in a school building owned by the public school entity;

    (b) Specify procedures for a student to retrieve their mobile device from the lockbox, case, pouch with a locking mechanism, or other secure location;

    (c) Specify procedures for students and parents to contact one another during instructional time;

    (d) Not limit a student’s use of a mobile device when such student:

    (1) Is a member of a volunteer fire company, ambulance or rescue squad;

    (2) Has a need for the mobile device due to the medical condition of the student or an immediate family member of the student;

    (3) Has a disability and use of a mobile device is required by the students individualized education plan;

    (4) Is an English language learner and uses the mobile device for translation purposes; or

    (5) Has permission from a teacher to use a mobile device for educational purposes during instructional time.

    (D) A public school entity may specify additional circumstances, beyond those listed in subdivision (c) of subsection (B) of this section, to permit mobile device use during instructional time.

    (D) The policies and procedures described in subsection (B) of this section must be adopted at an open meeting where members of the public have the opportunity to provide feedback.

    (E) At the beginning of each school year, public school entities must inform parents, teachers, and students of the policy adopted under subsection (B) of this section and any changes to it since the previous school year, if applicable.