FAQ: Policy JICJ Student use of Cell Phones
Q: Why did Mapleton decide to update Policy JICJ: Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices?
A: The new policy addresses three key priorities: supporting student learning, promoting digital wellness and safety, and ensuring reliable communication during emergencies.
Recent survey data showed that most parents/guardians, students, and staff support a clearer cell phone policy that follows an “Away for the Day” approach while still allowing individual schools to establish rules that best fit their communities.
In addition, extensive research shows that personal technology devices in schools should be regulated to ensure they do not disrupt the educational process, interfere with school operations, or impact students’ learning, growth, and development.
Q: When does this new procedure take effect?
A: By Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, all schools are required to establish a set of rules and procedures regarding student use of personal technology devices during the school day, which reflects a general commitment to keeping personal technology devices away for the day.
School rules and procedures will be available here.
Q: Does this new policy apply to all students?
A: Yes, the district policy and school rules and procedures will apply to all students. Exceptions may be made for medical reasons. Parents/guardians are asked to speak with their school principal to discuss medical exceptions.
Q: Can students bring their cell phones and personal technology devices to school?
A: Students may bring their personal technology devices to school, however, it is the student’s responsibility to know and comply with school rules, including ensuring the personal technology devices are turned off, placed in silent mode, and/or secured in designated locations during unauthorized times, as required.
Additionally, the district is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal technology devices brought onto school or District property, or while the student is attending District- or school-sponsored activities or events.
Q: What about during emergencies?
A: During an emergency, the safety of students and staff is our top priority. Mapleton works closely with law enforcement partners to provide accurate and timely information to families through multiple communication channels. During emergencies, student cell phones and personal electronic devices can make situations more dangerous by delaying response efforts, spreading misinformation, and potentially revealing locations to intruders. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), keeping devices put away during the school day helps reduce noise and light distractions, prevents network congestion, limits the spread of misinformation, and ensures first responders can operate efficiently, especially when parents are not rushing to the campus
Q: What about students who need to contact their parents?
A: Mapleton is committed to ensuring students will always have immediate access to communication through staff and supervised school channels. Students can use the school office phones to contact their parents during school hours. Parents can also contact the school office to reach their children, if necessary.
Q: How will the policy and school rules/procedures be enforced?
A: All schools will be responsible for describing how rules will be enforced and ensuring that rule violations are addressed with restorative practices whenever possible.