POLICY NUMBER:
500.06
ADOPTED:
9.16.2025
Board Policy
- The Board of Education recognizes foremost the critical value of in-person instruction and in-person communication with students in the educational process.
- The Board of Education is equally mindful that technology use—including the Internet, online platforms, and District-issued devices—plays a pivotal role in instruction and student learning. This policy seeks to balance the instructional benefits of technology with the need to protect instructional time from disruptions caused by personal electronic devices.
- The Board of Education believes in the importance of teaching “Digital Citizenship” for both students and employees for technology use in the District and as members of society. Digital Citizenship includes, but is not limited to, internet safety, digital reputation, privacy, security, digital relationships, and cyberbullying.
- The Board of Education is required by law (see Utah Code §53G-7-1002 and 53G-7- 226, as well as the Children’s Internet Protection Act) to restrict student access to obscene or inappropriate online content and to limit student use of cellphones and smartwatches during classroom hours, except under narrow exceptions. Additionally, students are prohibited from using electronic devices to bully, humiliate, or harass.
- This policy establishes district-wide rules governing the use of personal electronic devices in schools. Individual schools may implement stricter rules, but no school may adopt a less restrictive standard than outlined herein.
- The Board authorizes the Superintendent and District Administration to development administrative regulations consistent with this policy, subject to review and approval by the Board.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-1
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Definitions - 500.06-1
- “Cellphone”: means a handheld, portable electronic device that is designed to be operated using one or both hands and is capable of transmitting and receiving voice, data, or text communication means of a cellular network, satellite network, or other wireless technology. This includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, feature phones, or personal digital assistants.
- “Classroom hours”: means time during which a student receives scheduled, teacher-supervised instruction that occurs in a physical or virtual classroom setting, during regular school operating hours, and as part of an approved educational curriculum. Classroom hours do not include:
- lunch periods,
- recess,
- transit time between classes.
- study halls unless directed by qualified instructor,
- after school activities, unless an approved extended learning program, or
- independent study time outside scheduled instruction.
- “District-owned electronic device”: Any device owned, provided, issued, or lent by the District to a student or employee for the purpose of instruction, communication, or other educational uses.
- “Emerging Technology”: means any other device that can act in place of, or as an extension of, a cellphone or smartwatch.
- “Guest”: An individual who is not a student, employee, or designated volunteer of the District, who is on school property or at a District event.
- “Inappropriate matter”: means pornographic or indecent material as defined in Utah Code §76-10-1235 (1)(a).
- “Personal Electronic Device”: Any electronic device not owned by the District. This may include, but is not limited to, personal cellphones, smartwatches, tablets, or laptops brought onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity or event.
- “Smartwatch”: A wearable computing device that can act in place of or as an extension of a cellphone or other communication device. A smartwatch for purposes of this policy does not include a wearable device that can only tell time, track fitness/health, or display notifications without the capability to respond.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-2
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Scope - 500.06-2
1. This policy and its regulations apply to the use of electronic devices by all Canyons School District students, whether such devices are District-owned or personally owned, whenever students are on school property, traveling to or from school, or attending a school-sponsored event.
2. Student use of District-provided network resources—voice mail, email, Internet access, or other network applications—must support education and research consistent with the District’s educational objectives. Internet access within the District is filtered and monitored in compliance with state and federal law.
3. Pursuant to Utah Code §53G-7-226, personal cellphones, smartwatches, and emerging technologies are prohibited from use during classroom hours, unless an enumerated legal or policy exception applies.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-3
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
District-Wide Personal Electronic Device Usage; School Level Policies - 500.06-3
- The following usage restrictions apply district-wide to all students. Individual schools may adopt stricter policies, but shall not permit usage beyond what is allowed below.
- Elementary Schools (K–5):
- Bell-to-Bell Ban: Personal electronic devices (including cellphones, smartwatches, emerging technology) must be powered off or set to silent and stored out of sight from the start of the school day until dismissal.
- Devices may not be used during lunch, recess, or transitions between classes, unless allowed by a teacher for a direct educational purpose.
- Middle Schools (6–8):
- During classroom hours, personal electronic devices must be powered off or on silent mode and kept out of sight or stored, unless a teacher specifically allows device use for an educational purpose.
- Students may use their devices only during lunchtime (not during passing periods) provided they do not disrupt the school environment.
- High Schools (9–12):
- During classroom hours, personal electronic devices must be off or on silent and out of sight or stored, unless a teacher specifically allows device use for an educational purpose.
- Students may use devices before school, during lunch, and during passing periods between classes, so long as such use is not disruptive.
- Considerations for all grades:
- Teachers/administrators may authorize an exception for emergencies or medical necessity, or for a student’s IEP/504 accommodation plan.
- Schools may implement a stricter policy (e.g., disallowing device use at lunch) if approved by the principal and School Community Council.
- Statutory Exceptions (Applicable Across All Grade Levels):
- A student may use a cellphone, smartwatch, or emerging technology during classroom hours for:
- Responding to an imminent threat to the health or safety of any individual;
- Responding to a school-wide emergency;
- Accessing the SafeUT Crisis Line for urgent safety or mental health support;
- Complying with a documented IEP or Section 504 accommodation;
- Addressing a documented medical necessity.
- A student may use a cellphone, smartwatch, or emerging technology during classroom hours for:
- Teacher Flexibility for Instructional Use:
- A teacher may invite or permit students to use personal electronic devices during class for specific instructional activities. If any student does not have a personal device, a District-owned device should be made available.
- Each school shall communicate these guidelines to parents and students annually.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-4
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Use of Electronic Devices in Schools; Student Safety and Social Media - 500.06-4
- Use of District-Owned Electronic Devices:
- District-owned devices may be used in accordance with the District’s instructional goals, under the direction of the principal and teacher. Systemic decisions about device settings, software, security, and network applications are under the Superintendent or designee.
- Use of Personal Electronic Devices:
- Must comply with the district-wide rules in 500.06-3.
- Principals or teachers may further restrict personal device use if necessary for safety, privacy, or the instructional environment.
- Students shall not be required to use their personal devices for instruction.
- Prohibited Uses:
- Bullying, humiliating, harassing, or intimidating any school-related individual (student, employee, or guest) by means of an electronic device is strictly prohibited (See Policy 500.02—Student Conduct and Discipline).
- Accessing or displaying inappropriate matter or pornographic images is illegal and subject to discipline; may also be reported to law enforcement.
- Using devices in restrooms, locker rooms, or private areas to capture images or audio/video is strictly prohibited.
- Unauthorized recording or transmission of images or audio that invades a student’s or employee’s privacy is prohibited.
- Smartwatches:
- Students may wear smartwatches. During classroom hours, the interactive communication features of a smartwatch must be disabled (or placed in a mode preventing calls, texts, or data usage) unless the student qualifies for a statutory exception or obtains teacher permission for an educational activity.
- Student Safety & Social Media:
- District and school employees must maintain professional boundaries with students (see Policy 400.01).
- Students are cautioned to protect personal information online and use social media responsibly.
- Further information is available in Exhibit—1—Social Media Safety Tips.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-5
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Terms and Conditions; Reporting Misuse - 500.06-5
- Acceptable Use
- Students shall use the Internet and District network systems in support of education.
- Students shall follow generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
- Unacceptable Use
- Any activity in violation of law or District policy—such as accessing inappropriate materials, posting harmful content, revealing personal information, or attempting unauthorized system access—is prohibited.
- Reporting Misuse
- Students and staff should report misuse of personal or District devices to a teacher or administrator.
- Students who witness or experience electronic bullying or harassment should promptly inform school staff.
- Any incident involving inappropriate or illegal material accessed on school premises may be referred to law enforcement.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-6
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Expectation of Privacy - 500.06-6
- Student files and documents created or stored on District-owned devices or network resources are not considered private.
- Electronic mail and other transmissions on the District network are not private and maybe monitored for compliance with District policy and applicable laws.
- The District does not guarantee privacy for communications on personal devices if those devices are connected to the District network and subject to lawful review or if there is reasonable suspicion of policy violation.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-7
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Discussion/Submission - 500.06-7
- Students and parents/legal guardians shall review Policy 500.06—Technology Resources—Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students) annually and acknowledge notice and receipt of the policy as part of online registration.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-8
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Signatures; Disciplinary Action - 500.06-8
- The student’s and parent/legal guardian’s signatures on the Agreement Form indicate they have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these terms and conditions.
- Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action under Policy 500.02—Student Conduct and Discipline, including suspension, expulsion, or referral to law enforcement when appropriate. Access to District network resources may also be limited, suspended, or revoked.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-9
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Service Disclaimer - 500.06-9
- The District makes no warranties of any kind for the electronic information resources it is providing.
- The District is not responsible for any damages or data loss a student suffers using these resources, including non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccuracies of information obtained.
- The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices brought onto school property.
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-10
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Training - 500.06-10
- Within the first 45 days of each school year, each school shall provide instruction or training to students that addresses:
- The District’s and school’s internet and personal electronic device policies;
- The importance of digital citizenship;
- Student conduct and discipline policies;
- The benefit of using school-managed filters and networks for internet safety; and
- The disciplinary consequences of violating District and school
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION:
500.06-11
APPROVED:
9.16.2025
Enforcement Plans - 500.06-11
- School-Specific Enforcement:
- Each school shall develop, publicize, and implement a written enforcement plan outlining the progressive interventions and discipline for personal electronic device violations.
- Enforcement steps may include, but are not limited to, verbal warnings, confiscation for a class period or school day, parent notification, and behavior contracts for repeated offenses.
- Stricter School-Level Policies:
- Any school opting to adopt more stringent rules (e.g., restricting device use during lunch or passing periods at the secondary level) must include those in their enforcement plan, subject to approval by the principal and School Community Council.
- Consistency With District Policy:
- All enforcement plans shall be consistent with District policy and the enumerated exceptions under state law (Utah Code §53G-7-226).
Exhibits
Forms
None
Document History
Revised – 9.16.2025. Policy -500.06 Technology Resources: Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students) to clarify that the annual review of District policy in online registration constitutes notice of the policy and an acknowledgement of receipt by the student and parent/legal guardian. Any language that may have mistakenly implied the false notion of a contractual agreement for which a student or parent/legal guardian may or may not agree is inaccurate, and has since been removed from the policy.
Revised – 5.20.2025. Policy -500.06 Technology Resources: Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students) was updated pursuant to S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools (2025). A student may not use a cellphone, smart watch, or emerging technology at school during school hours.
The following updates were included:
Elementary Schools – Grades K-5:
o Bell-to-Bell Ban: Personal electronic devices (including cellphones, smartwatches,
emerging technology) must be powered off or set to silent and stored out of sight from
the start of the school day until dismissal.
o Devices may not be used during lunch, recess, or transitions between classes, unless
allowed by a teacher for a direct educational purpose.
Middle Schools: (6-8)
o During classroom hours, personal electronic devices must be powered off or on silent mode and kept out of sight or stored, unless a teacher specifically allows device use for an educational purpose.
o Students may use their devices only during lunchtime (not during passing periods)
provided they do not disrupt the school environment.
High Schools: (9-12).
o During classroom hours, personal electronic devices must be powered off or on silent mode and kept out of sight or stored, unless a teacher specifically allows device use for an educational purpose.
o Students may use devices before lunch, during lunch, and during passing periods between classes, so long as such use is not disruptive.
Consideration for all grades:
o Teachers/administrators may authorize an exception for emergencies or medical
necessity, or for a student’s IEP/504 accommodation plan.
o Schools may implement a stricter policy (e.g., disallowing device use at lunch) if
approved by the principal and School Community Council.
Statutory Exceptions (Applicable Across All Grade Levels):
o A student may use a cellphone, smartwatch, or emerging technology during classroom hours for:
o Responding to an imminent threat to the health or safety of any individual;
o Responding to a school-wide emergency;
o Accessing the SafeUT Crisis Line for urgent safety or mental health support;
o Complying with a documented IEP or Section 504 accommodation;
o Addressing a documented medical necessity.
Other cosmetic changes were made to other regulations as outlined in the policy redline to update the policy.
Revised – 12.12.23. Policy – 500.06 Technology Resources: Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students) was revised to clarify language in the policy regarding the authority of the school principal and District-owned electronic devices. The policy language indicated that systemic decisions regarding use of district electronic devices, network settings, network filtering, software and hardware, security proposals, and network applications are under the direction of the Superintendent and District Administration.
Revised – 10.15.19. Policy – 500.06 – Technology Resources: Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students) was revised to to include required legal provisions from Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Rule R277-495. Electronic Devices in Public Schools and offer guidance regarding electronic devices in schools. The revised policy includes:
- A revised title including “Electronic Devices.” Specifically, “Technology Resources: Electronic Devices and Network Acceptable Use (Students);
- A revised Board policy statement including the statutory requirement to restrict access to the Internet or online sites that contain obscene material in accordance with state and federal law;
- Required definitions for electronic devices consistent with R277-495;
- Required language for development of an individual school electronic device “policy/procedure”;
- Required language regarding student safety and social media;
- Required language prohibiting uses of electronic devices that bully, humiliate, harass, or intimidate school-related individuals, including students, employees, and guests;
- Required language for permitted and restricted uses of electronic devices, reporting student misuse, and training requirements).
To assist individual schools in developing procedures for electronic devices, a school level guideline exhibit was developed. (See, Exhibit—1—School Level Guidelines for Personal Electronic Devices).
Adopted – 7.10.07.
This online presentation is an electronic representation of the Canyons School District’s currently adopted policy manual. It does not reflect updating activities in progress. The official, authoritative manual is available for inspection in the office of the Superintendent located at 9361 South 300 East Sandy, UT 84070.
