Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

Upper Merion Area High School Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Purpose: To create a focused, safe, and respectful learning environment that prioritizes academic performance and the social-emotional well-being of all students by minimizing distractions and promoting positive interactions.

Upper Merion Area High School is committed to fostering a learning environment free from the distractions of cell phones and other electronic devices during instructional time. Students may possess electronic devices on campus, but their use is strictly regulated to ensure a productive and healthy learning experience.

Goals:

This policy is implemented to:

• Minimize distractions and promote a focused learning environment.
• Enhance academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
• Ensure responsible and ethical use of electronic devices.
• Foster a safe and respectful school climate.

Implementation:

• Classroom Storage (Bell-to-Bell):
  • Cell Phones must be turned off or placed in "silent mode" or "airplane mode" and stored in designated classroom phone storage caddies upon entering the classroom.
  • Devices must remain inaccessible from the start of the class period (bell) until the end of the class period (bell).
  • Notifications on smartwatches must be disabled during class time.
  • Headphones/earbuds of any type must be put away immediately upon entering the classroom.
  • Students leaving the classroom for any reason for a short duration of time (restroom, nurse, counselor, etc.) must leave their cell phone in the classroom storage caddy.  Students leaving class early and not expecting to return should bring all their belongings with them including their cell phone.
• Additional Restrictions:
  • Cell phone use is prohibited in all restrooms at all times.
  • No electronic device should be used for recording (video, audio, or picture) students and staff at school without explicit permission.
• Permitted Use:
  • Students may use electronic devices during study hall, lunch, Learn period and in the hallway during passing periods, provided such use does not disrupt other students or staff and does not violate other provisions of this policy.  Phones must be left in the cell phone caddy when students are leaving study hall or Learn period for a short duration of time (restroom, nurse, counselor, etc.).
  • Headphones/earbuds are only permitted in class when explicitly instructed by the classroom teacher for instructional purposes as part of instruction.
• Prohibited Uses:
  • Cell phones may not be used to conduct any activities that violate state and/or federal law, Upper Merion Area School District (UMASD) Board policy, or school rules. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Video and audio recording of incidents occurring on UMASD property and posting on any social media platforms (e.g., TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram) without explicit permission.
    • Inciting, instigating, disrupting, bullying, cyberbullying, harassing, intimidating, or sexually harassing others.
    • Creating a hostile educational environment through verbal, physical, graphic, or written conduct or intentional electronic communication that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student’s physical or psychological well-being. 
  • Unauthorized use of electronic devices during UMASD, state, or national testing (e.g., Keystone Examinations, SAT, PSAT) will be considered cheating. Incidents will result in disciplinary consequences and invalidation of the assessment.
• Health and Special Needs:
  • Students with unique health care needs requiring cell phone or headphone/earbud access must consult with the school nurse for individualized accommodations.  The School Nurse will  work with students, parents, and healthcare providers to develop individualized health plans that address these needs while also minimizing disruptions to the learning environment.
• Interventions and Consequences:
  • Consequences for not abiding by these regulations will be as follows: 
    • 1st Offense - Teacher Warning
    • 2nd Offense - School detention
    • 3rd Offense - Saturday detention, parent contact
    • 4th Offense - 1 day In-School Suspension (ISS), parent contact
    • 5th Offense - 1 day Out-Of-School Suspension (OSS)
    • All subsequent offenses beyond will require a parent meeting with school administration and initiate a plan for compliance to include additional restrictions for cell phone possession while on school grounds.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed and revised periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with the evolving needs of the school community and technological advancements.