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Free Phone-Free School Policy Template Generator

Choose your rules and the policy writes itself beside them. Copy it into your handbook or save it as a PDF for your board. Free, with nothing to sign up for.

When phones are off limits
Devices it covers
Where phones go
Exceptions
Consequences
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Your policy

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[School name]

Personal Electronic Device Policy

Effective [date]Draft for board review

1. Purpose

To establish a learning environment that promotes academic focus, social engagement, and mental wellness by minimizing digital distractions during the school day.

2. Definitions

For this policy, a personal electronic device is a cell phone, a smartwatch, or any similar device that can make calls, send messages, or connect to the internet. Devices issued by the school for instruction are not covered.

3. When this policy applies

Students may not use personal electronic devices from the first bell of the school day until the final dismissal bell. This includes passing periods, lunch, and recess.

4. Device storage

During restricted times, devices must be powered off and stored in the student’s backpack or locker. Devices may not be kept in pockets or on the student’s person.

5. Exceptions

Exceptions will be made for students with a documented medical need (for example, continuous glucose monitoring) or an accommodation in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. Administration must approve each exception in advance.

6. Reaching students during the day

Parents and guardians who need to reach a student during the school day should call the front office, which will pass the message on. A student who needs to contact home may do so from the front office. In an emergency, students follow staff instructions, including about devices.

7. Violations and consequences

Failure to comply with this policy will result in the following:

  1. First offense: a verbal warning, and the student puts the device away.
  2. Second offense: the device is held by the teacher until the end of the period.
  3. Third offense: the device is taken to the front office, and a parent or guardian must pick it up.

8. Responsibility for devices

The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices brought onto campus. Students bring devices at their own risk.

9. Review

Administration will review this policy each year and share any changes with families before they take effect.

Before you take it to the board

  • Check it against your state’s law

    At least 42 states and D.C. have passed laws restricting phones in school, and some spell out what a district policy has to cover. Look up your state.

  • Have counsel read it

    This template is a starting point, not legal advice. Your district’s counsel should review it before the board votes.

  • Name who enforces it

    Write down who checks phones, who handles a violation and who calls home. A policy that leaves it open falls to every teacher, every period.

  • Tell families before day one

    Send the policy home with an agreement for families to sign. Make the agreement from the same consequences, or read how to present the policy to your board.

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