Personal Devices

Students are not be permitted to access personal electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, headphones, etc.) during class time unless there is a documented accommodation for a student.

"Students need an excuse to disconnect and we are that excuse."

These expectations are communicated with students during the first week of school during our annual handbook reviews and will be reiterated through the school year.

All middle school students are issued Chromebooks for school related use thanks to the generosity of the Bexley Education Foundation's One for All campaign and ongoing support from the district's permanent improvement levy. This eliminates the need for students to use personal devices for school related activities.

We have posted commonly asked questions with answers below. Research links and articles are included, too.

What is a “personal device”?

Any portable electronic device including, but not limited to, cellular and wireless phones, digital cameras, tablets, e-readers, smartphones, laptops, WiFi-enabled or broadband access devices, and devices that allow a person to record, access and/or transmit on either a real time or delayed basis, data, sound, video or still images, text, or other information. (Board Policy EDE)

This includes phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, headphones, and similar devices that are not school issued.

When are personal devices not permitted to use? (6-12)

Students may not access personal devices during instructional time. This includes during class periods, study halls, homeroom, assemblies, and flex time (MS).

When are personal devices permitted to use? (6-12)

Students may access personal devices between classes, before and after school, during lunch/ recess, during field trips (according to that particular trip’s guidelines).

What happens if a student has a personal device during a time that is not approved?

If a student has their device during a time that it is not permitted, a staff member will collect the device and turn it into the office based on the school’s procedure. The first time a student has a device sent to the office, they will be able to pick it up at the end of the school day. The second time a student has a device sent to the office, a parent/ guardian will need to pick it up from the school office. This may require an appointment outside of typical office hours. Any further cases of a student having their device sent to the office will require a meeting with an administrator and an individual plan developed.

Where should students keep devices during the school day?

Students who do bring a personal device to school should keep it in their locker or backpack where it cannot be seen or heard during the class period. We highly encourage that students bring a lock for their locker as well.

How can parents support their students in this area?

  • Please support our efforts by not expecting your student to access their phone during the day. If there is an emergency, you can contact them through the school office.
  • Consider using parental controls to only allow the most essential apps for communication or instruction during the school day.
  • If your child does not currently have a device, consider your ability/willingness to monitor it before purchasing one. There is no school-based need for a smartphone.
  • If you do feel that your student needs a phone, you do not need to purchase a smartphone. For phone calls and texting, a “dumb phone” is just fine.
  • Students will be able to bring phones to school to let parents know they have arrived or about after school plans. They just cannot access devices during instructional time. All school office phones are staffed from 7:30 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the school day. We will be happy to get important messages to your child.