Student Communication Devices in Schools

April 2026 - JSA DRAFT

Policy JSA: Student Use of Personal Technology Devices

I. Purpose and Intent

This policy outlines the principles governing student use of personally-owned technology devices on district property, during school-sponsored activities, or when connected to district networks, regardless of location. Every Jeffco student in grades 1–12 is assigned or provided a district-issued device designated as the primary educational tool for all instructional time. Students are required to use their district-assigned device during the school day for school work.

The purpose of this policy is to maximize the effectiveness of district-provided technology for learning while defining use guidelines for personal technology device use. Students must cooperate and assist the district in implementing, maintaining, and enforcing this policy.

II. Definitions

Personal Technology Device
Any electronic device a student owns that can store, send, or receive information; connect to the internet or other networks; or record photos, videos, or sound. Examples include phones, personal laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, earbuds, and other wearable technology.

Instructional Time
Teacher-led lessons, testing periods, and classroom activities.

Instructional Use
A teacher-directed learning activity when a personal technology device is used to support a specific instructional objective and when district-provided technology is not available or appropriate for the task. Instructional use occurs when explicitly authorized by the teacher and ends once the learning activity is complete.

III. Core Principles of Personal Technology Device Use

A. District-Assigned Device Requirement
Students are required to use their district-assigned device during the school day for school work. Personal computing devices (i.e., laptops, tablets, etc.) are not permitted.

B. Granted, Not Guaranteed
Use of a Personal Technology Devices (other than computing devices) on district property is a privilege granted at the district’s/school’s discretion and may be restricted at any time.

C. Responsible Digital Citizenship
Students must use Personal Technology Devices respectfully, safely, lawfully, and ethically while on district property or connected to district systems. Devices may not be used in a manner that violates student or staff privacy.

D. District Network and Resource Security
Personal Technology Devices must not compromise district networks, resources, or data.

E. No Expectation of Privacy on District Systems
Students have no expectation of privacy when using district systems or networks. Activity may be monitored and disclosed, and any searches will follow applicable law and Policy JIH.

F. Student Responsibility
Students are fully responsible for the care, security, and appropriate use of Personal Technology Devices. If a device is confiscated due to policy enforcement, staff will exercise reasonable care until the device is returned. The district is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage. The district does not provide technical support for personal devices, and students may not seek assistance from district technology staff or help desks for issues related to their personal devices.

V. General Student Responsibilities

Students must:

• Adhere to Acceptable Use: Comply with the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (JS) and all district and school rules.
• Ensure Device Security: Take reasonable measures to secure their device, prevent unauthorized access, and avoid actions that could threaten district systems. This includes using passwords, maintaining updated operating systems and security software, and avoiding suspicious links or downloads.
• Cooperate with Investigations: See Policy JIH ( Student Interviews, Interrogations, searches and arrests) 
• Manage Personal Data: Maintain their own data, applications, and backups. The district is not responsible for data loss.
• Report Security Concerns: Immediately report suspected network security incidents (e.g., malware, unauthorized access) to school staff.

VI. Prohibited Uses

Testing and Assessment

Personal Technology Devices may not be used and must be stored away for all state, district, or classroom assessments. Only district-provided Tech for Ed devices may be used for testing.

General Prohibited Use

Students may not use Personal Technology Devices as described in Policy JS.  

VII. Student Privacy Summary

Staff may search or inspect a Personal Technology Device when there is reasonable suspicion it contains evidence of a violation of law or policy. Searches must be limited in scope and conducted respectfully, in accordance with federal law, Colorado law, and the standards established in New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985).

VIII. Consequences of Non-Compliance

The primary purpose of the school day is teaching and learning. Expectations related to personal technology devices are intended to support a focused learning environment and minimize distractions that interfere with instruction. These expectations are designed to support educators in maintaining classroom focus so that instructional time remains the priority.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action as documented in the district’s discipline matrix (up to and including suspension or expulsion), legal action, or criminal prosecution.* The privilege of personal device use may be revoked immediately.

IX. Emergency Communication

During emergency situations, students must follow staff instructions regarding personal technology device use. Students may use their devices to briefly check in with a parent or guardian, provided doing so does not interfere with staff direction, safety procedures, or emergency response efforts. In the event of an emergency situation, the district will communicate directly with families through established emergency communication systems so that parents receive timely and accurate information. 

*Suspension and expulsion are not sanctioned disciplinary actions for cell phone infractions

This regulation applies specifically to student use of personal phones and wearable technology in school. Schools must, at a minimum, adopt the following guidelines. Schools may establish additional use parameters, as appropriate, to maintain a productive academic environment. Exceptions outlined in the “policy exception” section below must be in place and communicated.

• For students in grades K–5, phones and earbuds are generally not permitted for use during the school day. Devices must be turned off and stored out of sight from arrival until dismissal.
• For students in grades 6–8, phones and earbuds are generally not permitted for use during the school day. Devices must be turned off and stored out of sight from arrival until dismissal. Use may be permitted in accordance with a school’s site-based expectations, provided such use does not interfere with safety, supervision, or the learning environment. 
• For students in grades 9–12, phones and earbuds must remain off and stored during instructional time unless a staff member authorizes use for a specific instructional purpose. In recognition of age-appropriate developmental needs and increasing independence at the high-school level, schools may permit device use in alignment with site-based expectations, provided such use does not interfere with safety, supervision, or the learning environment. 

District Responsibility

The district is responsible for:

• Providing resources, guidance, and technical assistance to schools as they establish and implement school-based policies.
• Regularly revisiting JSA and JSA-R to ensure expectations remain clear, relevant, and enforceable.
• Establishing, maintaining, and monitoring clear and consistent disciplinary responses to personal technology device violations via the district’s discipline matrix. 

School-Level Policy Expectations

School leaders and their administrative teams are responsible for: 

• Developing, implementing and monitoring school-based phone and wearable policies and ensuring that the policy aligns with district requirements. 
• Engaging appropriate stakeholders—including staff, students, and families—in the development and ongoing review/updates of school-based phone and wearable policies.
• Defining clear use guidelines for phones and wearables during both instructional and non-instructional time, including where devices are stored.
• Communicating transparently how the school will enforce the phone and wearable policy, including how devices are collected or confiscated and the process for retrieval. 
• Communicating enforcement practices transparently, including associated disciplinary action aligned with the district’s discipline matrix.
• Assessing whether the policy is achieving its intended outcomes and adjusting as needed.

• Publishing/updating the school’s policy publicly on the website annually prior to the start of the school year. 
• Adjusting policy during the school year in response to emerging needs or relevant incidents and clearly communicate any such adjustments. 
• Implementing “policy exceptions” for individual students who qualify as outlined below.

Policy Exceptions

Schools may not restrict the use of personal devices when such use is required for a medical emergency, medically necessary purposes, or as part of a disability-related accommodation. Exceptions must be documented and made in alignment with existing district policies and procedures related to medical, health, and accessibility requirements as well as applicable state and federal regulations.