FILE: JCDAE
Cf: JD
ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof or in any school bus used to transport public school students. For purposes of this policy, the terms use and operation shall mean whenever the electronic telecommunication device is turned on.
No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall possess, on his/her person, an electronic telecommunication device throughout the instructional day, including wearable technology capable of sending or receiving text messages and other similar notifications. The instructional day shall begin at the time students arrive on campus prior to the take-in bell and conclude upon the dismissal bell at the end of the day.
If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during an instructional day, the electronic device shall either be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day or prohibited from being turned on and used during the instructional day. Electronic telecommunication devices, shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, wearable technology such as smart watches, tablet devices, e-readers, or similar devices.
These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.
These provisions shall also apply to any school-sponsored event, including athletic competitions and field trips, which take place during an instructional day.
During the instructional day, parents or guardians may contact students through the school’s office.
Students shall not utilize school-issued devices to access personal messaging features and social media accounts not used for educational purposes.
A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension and/or expulsion from school, as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct.
Nothing shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device in the event of an emergency. Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.
Revised: July 18, 2024
Revised: February 17, 2025
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education
Board minutes, 7-18-24, 2-17-25
Bogalusa City School Board