Student Communication Devices in Schools

In response to Colorado House Bill 25-1135, Jeffco Public Schools has developed a districtwide policy on student use of personal technology devices (e.g. cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds) during the school day. 

On June 11, 2026, the Jeffco Board of Education voted to approve the Student Use of Personal Technology Devices Policy (JSA) and its accompanying regulation (JSA-R). 

Regulation JSA-R requires that devices be off and away from bell-to-bell for students in grades K-8. High schoolers may use personal devices during non-instructional time and for teacher-directed learning. 

You can read the finalized policies in their entirety in the district policy manual under Policy JSA and Regulation JSA-R.

Background

The district began this work in the 2024-25 school year by studying existing cell phone policies across Jeffco schools. Students, families and staff shared their experiences through surveys, focus groups and interviews.

During the 2025-26 school year, Jeffco staff worked in partnership with representatives from the District Accountability Committee (DAC), Technology and Data Privacy Committee (TDPAC), Jeffco Student Leadership Board (JSLB), and the School Leadership Principal Advisory Committee to develop a draft policy aligned with Colorado law, which takes effect July 1, 2026.

From January to March 2026, families, staff and students reviewed the draft policy JSA and JSA-R and provided feedback through a comment form. The community also shared their experiences with cell phones through the Sensemaker tool. Proposed policy revisions were then shared for public comment and reviewed by the Board on May 8 and June 3.