IJNDBA - Bring Your Own Technology
Date Adopted: 3 May 2017
Current Review / Revision: Final Reading August 5, 2026
1. Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, consistent guidelines for personal technology use during the school day to:
● Maintain a focused, distraction-free learning environment.
● Support teachers with a unified, schoolwide approach to classroom management.
● Encourage meaningful, face-to-face social interaction and healthy relationship building.
● Promote responsible and respectful technology use.
● Reduce exposure to harmful online content and behaviors during school hours (e.g., cyberbullying, sexting, social media conflicts).
● Protect and improve student social health by limiting excessive technology use.
● Increase academic engagement and achievement through bell-to-bell instruction.
● Foster habits that balance digital engagement with real-world experiences.
2. Introduction
We are adopting a phone-free school environment to strengthen teaching, learning, and personal connections.
Emery School District has a responsibility to students, families, educators, and the community to maximize learning opportunities, foster a safe and supportive environment, and prepare students for success in life beyond school.
This policy reflects our commitment to creating a culture where students can be fully present, connect face-to-face, and thrive academically and socially. Students and parents/guardians participating in BYOT must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Network Acceptable Use Policy and all Board policies. Each teacher has full discretion to allow and regulate the use of personal devices for valid instructional projects in the classroom.
To strengthen teaching, learning, and personal connections,
· Emery High School grades 9-12 will follow an instructional bell to bell phone-free school environment.
· Green River High School grades 7-12 will maintain a phone-free environment throughout school hours.
· All K–8 schools will maintain a phone-free environment throughout school hours.
3. Definition of Terms
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): A document stipulating constraints and practices that a user shall accept prior to accessing the district's network or the internet.
Cellphone (from Utah Code 53G-7-227): A handheld, portable electronic device designed to be operated using one or both hands and capable of transmitting and receiving voice, data, or text communication by:
● Cellular network
● Satellite network
● Any other wireless technology
Includes: smartphone, feature phone, mobile phone, satellite phone, smart watch, or a personal digital assistant with similar capabilities.
District-Owned Devices: Technology equipment, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, or other electronic devices, that are purchased, issued, or maintained by the school district for instructional, administrative, or approved educational purposes. Use of district-owned devices is governed by the school or district’s acceptable use policies and procedures.
Emerging Technology (from Utah Code 53G-7-227): Any device that has, or will have, the ability to act in place of or as an extension of a cellphone. Excludes school-provided or required devices.
Instructional / Classroom Hours (from Utah Code 53G-7-227) Time during which students receive scheduled, teacher-supervised instruction as part of the approved curriculum, whether in-person or virtual. Excludes:
● After-school activities (unless part of an approved extended learning program)
School Hours: The official hours during which the school is open to students, including non-instructional periods such as lunch and recess.
Smartwatch (from Utah Code 53G-7-227): A wearable computing device resembling a wristwatch that can act in place of or as an extension of a cellphone. Does not include devices that only tell time, monitor health information, receive notifications without the ability to respond, track physical location.
Student-Owned Device (“Devices” herein): Any electronic device owned or controlled by the student. This includes, but is not limited to, cellphones, mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, headphones, earbuds, gaming devices, and any other device capable of connecting to the internet, cellular networks, or capturing/playing images or audio.
4. Use of District-Owned Devices
District-owned electronic devices are provided to students for the purpose of enhancing educational experiences. These devices remain the property of the district and are to be used in accordance with the district's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Students are responsible for the general care of the device, including keeping it charged, reporting malfunctions, and ensuring it is not left unattended. Unauthorized use, tampering, or damage may result in disciplinary action and financial responsibility for repairs or replacement.
5. Use of Student-Owned Devices
All student-owned electronic devices – including cellphones, smart watches, earbuds, and similar wireless communication devices, as outlined in the Definition of Terms – must be silenced and stored out of sight.
Devices cannot be used as outlined in this policy, and must follow this procedure during class time, passing periods, lunch, restrooms, assemblies, safety drills, or any other school-day activities. Devices may only be accessed after dismissal, unless otherwise permitted for extracurricular events, off-campus activities, field trips, or extended travel under school supervision. During restricted time periods, student-owned electronic devices shall remain powered off or silenced and stored in the student's backpack, locker, or another location designated by the school or classroom teacher. Devices may not be carried in a student's hand, clothing pocket, desk, or otherwise remain readily accessible unless an approved exception applies.
6. Parent/Guardian & Student Communication
Students who need to contact a parent/guardian during the school day may do so through the front office, or with teacher permission, the classroom phone. Parents/guardians needing to reach their student should use the school’s established communication channels (e.g., front office phone or designated email). Urgent messages will always be delivered promptly to students.
Because student devices are required to remain stored and inaccessible, students will not be able to answer calls or texts from parents/guardians during school hours. Families are strongly encouraged to leave their devices at home, and limit daytime contact to urgent needs, reinforcing student focus and independence. Schools will work with families and parent representatives (e.g. School Community Councils, PTAs) to ensure communication systems are consistent, reliable, and well understood.
7. Exceptions
Exceptions to the student-owned device policy will be made in accordance with state law and district guidelines. While the intent of this policy is to reduce classroom distractions and allow students to better focus on learning, it is not designed to create undue stress or hardship for students or families.
Students may be permitted limited access to personal devices under the following circumstances:
1. In the event of an imminent threat to the health or safety of an individual.
2. During a school-wide emergency as directed by school administration.
3. To access the SafeUT Crisis Line or other approved crisis resources.
4. As required by a student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.
5. To address a documented medical necessity, with approval from administration.
6. Upon parent/guardian request for good cause, submitted to and approved by the school principal or designee.
7. When authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes. For supervised internship, work-based learning, or concurrent enrollment programs, as permitted by the district.
8. To meet legitimate communication needs related to after-school responsibilities (e.g., contacting an employer, coordinating transportation, or arranging caregiving duties), as approved by school administration.
All exceptions are subject to staff supervision and must not disrupt the learning environment.
Under the Bring Your Own Technology policy, devices are stored away for the entire school day. Any approved use should occur in the front office or another supervised location, where staff may grant brief, temporary access at their discretion.
8. Violation Of Policy
Our school’s device policy is designed to reduce classroom distractions and allow students to focus on learning. When violations occur, the goal is to address behavior constructively, maintain instructional time, and support students in understanding the importance of responsible device use. Consequences are progressive, fair, and aim to correct behavior rather than punish unnecessarily.
Violations of the student-owned device policy will be addressed through progressive interventions designed to support student learning and minimize classroom disruption.
Redirection #1: Student is reminded of the policy and may have their device temporarily confiscated. A brief discussion or reflection on responsible device use may be required.
Redirection #2: Parent/guardian will be notified, and the device will be held in the office until an adult that is on the student's official contact list. Devices may be returned according to school procedures found in the school’s handbook. They are typically returned at the end of the day or after parent/guardian pick-up if required. The student may participate in an Action Plan to improve compliance.
Redirection #3 or Chronic Noncompliance: Parent/guardian conference required. Additional support, such as temporary loss of device privileges or a targeted behavior plan, may be implemented.
Redirection #4 or Extreme/Chronic Violations: In cases of repeated or serious noncompliance, a student may lose the privilege of bringing a personal device to school for a designated period of time. In these cases, parents/guardians will be notified, and alternative communication arrangements (e.g., office/classroom phone access) will be established to ensure student safety and family contact.
Our school’s device policy is designed to minimize classroom distractions and allow students to focus on learning. When
violations occur, they are addressed through progressive, fair interventions. Our goal is to correct behavior constructively,
maintain instructional time, and support students in understanding the importance of responsible device use rather than
punishing them unnecessarily.
Surrendered Devices:
● Only licensed school personnel (unless otherwise specified in this policy) may retain student electronic devices. Licensed staff are discouraged from searching or reviewing the content, data, or contact information stored on a student’s device except under compelling circumstances, such as a credible threat to safety or a legal requirement. If a device is found by a staff member, it may be briefly examined solely to determine its owner.
● Surrendered devices will be stored securely, and the school will make reasonable efforts to protect them from loss, theft, or damage. However, the school is not responsible for any damage to devices voluntarily brought to school by students, and families retain responsibility for personal property.
● When practical, the school will notify parents or designated individuals that a device is in the school’s possession.
● Devices may be returned according to school procedures found in the school’s handbook. They are typically returned at the end of the day or after parent/guardian pick-up if required.
9. Notice to Students and Parents of Policy
Parents and students shall receive annual written notice of the school’s electronic device policy. Written notice may be provided through the student handbook, the school or district website, email or mailed communication, or presentations at School Community Council (SCC) meetings. The policy will also be available in the school’s main office for reference at any time.
Parents/guardians are required to sign and return the signature page at the bottom of this document acknowledging they have received and reviewed this policy. If needed, explanations of exceptions to the policy, such as medical, instructional, or emergency use, as well as potential consequences for violations and procedures for contacting students during school hours without using personal devices will be provided.
Parents and students shall receive timely notice of any policy changes through reasonable means, such as email, website updates, or inclusion in school communications. Students and families will also be notified that law enforcement may be contacted at the school’s discretion if circumstances warrant.
10. Other Provisions
Privacy and Recording:
Students are prohibited from taking pictures or recording video/audio in private areas, including locker rooms, counseling sessions, restrooms, and dressing areas. Any recording of other students or staff without consent is strictly forbidden and may result in disciplinary action.
Liability and Responsibility:
Students bring electronic devices to school or school activities at their own risk. Personal electronic devices are susceptible to loss, theft, and damage. The school or LEA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. Students are responsible for the care and security of their own devices. If devices are borrowed, loaned, or misused by others, both the borrower and the owner may be held responsible for policy violations.
Search of Student-Owned Devices:
Confiscated electronic devices may be subject to search by school administration or designee if there is a compelling reason to ensure school safety, protect students, or address policy violations. If the device is locked or password protected, a school district administrator may request that the student unlock the device when authorized by law or district policy.
Consequences of Violations:
Consequences for policy violations may vary based on the nature of the violation, prior disciplinary history, and other circumstances. Progressive disciplinary steps are encouraged to support instruction while addressing behavior.
Common and Hallway Spaces:
Device use in common areas, hallways, cafeterias, and during passing periods is not permitted.
Integration with Other Policies:
Electronic device use must comply with all other school policies, including bullying prevention, harassment, and emergency procedures. Schools may take action consistent with other policies if device use contributes to unsafe or disruptive behavior.
Modeling Healthy Device Habits:
Administrators, teachers, and parents are expected to model appropriate and balanced device use. Students should be guided to use technology responsibly and in ways that support learning and social-emotional development.
Network Considerations
Users should strive to maintain appropriate bandwidth for school-related work and communications. The District does not guarantee connectivity or the quality of any network connection with a personal device. The District’s technology department is not responsible for maintaining or troubleshooting personal devices.
Previous Revision - 10 April 2024
Bring Your Own Technology Agreement
I understand and will abide by the above policy and guidelines. I further understand that any violation of this policy may result in the loss of network and/or device privileges as well as other disciplinary action.
Signature of Student Date
Signature of Parent / Guardian Date