Students in Hamilton Southeastern Schools could soon be required to keep their cell phones and other wireless devices powered off and out of reach throughout the school day under a new policy the district’s Board of School Trustees is set to vote on June 10.
The proposed policy, discussed by the board’s Policy Committee Wednesday morning, chaired by Jason Urban, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, would require students to store their devices in lockers or backpacks during instructional hours. Phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, gaming devices and similar internet- or cell-connected gadgets would all have to be turned off and inaccessible while school is in session.
The restrictions apply only to the school day. Students would still be allowed to use their devices before and after school and while riding the school bus.
District officials say the policy was crafted to align with recent changes in Indiana law. “Inappropriate use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices can be detrimental to the well-being of students and the academic climate of classrooms,” the proposed policy language states, noting that the devices “can disrupt the learning environment and take valuable time away from instruction.”
Under the policy, designated Code J13.00, students may still bring a wireless device to school but are prohibited from possessing or using it during the day. The measure defines a wireless electronic device broadly to include cellular phones, tablet and laptop computers, digital cameras, gaming devices, headphones and earbuds, smart glasses, smartwatches and any similar device connected to a phone, cell tower or the internet.
Students would still be permitted to use school-sanctioned devices that meet district specifications for instructional purposes.
The policy carves out several exceptions in which its restrictions would not apply. Students may use a device during an emergency when authorized to do so, to manage a documented medical condition under a health care provider’s order, as part of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, or for language translation when no school-managed device is available.
Students who violate the policy could face discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. School administrators may confiscate a device, which would then be returned to a parent or guardian.
The policy also reminds families that students are solely responsible for the care and security of any devices they bring to school. Hamilton Southeastern Schools assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage or misuse of personal wireless devices on its property.
The Board of School Trustees is scheduled to take a vote on the policy at its June 10 meeting.