Skip to main content
Students » Technology Usage Policy

Technology Usage Policy

P.S. 181Q WRITTEN SCHOOL-BASED POLICIES


Regulation of the Chancellor Number: A-413  

Subject: CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOLS 


 WRITTEN SCHOOL-BASED POLICY 


Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school; however, the items must remain in their book bags unless directed by their teacher for usage: 1) laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices (“computing devices”). Students are permitted to bring cell phones to school; however, the cell phones should be kept in book bags until the end of the day. 

Conditions:

The use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

  1. Portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during classroom time, the administration of any school quiz, test or examination unless directed by teacher.  

  1. Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

  1. Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.

  1. Computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
  2. Computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in the cafeteria, playground, multi-purpose room, or bathrooms.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Students who use cell phones, computing devices and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. 


CONFISCATION OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, AND HAND-HELD MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS 

If the school confiscates a cell phone, computing device, or portable music or entertainment system fin violation of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 and/or the DOE’s IAUSP, the principal/designee must contact the student’s parent. Confiscation, storage and return of such items will be handled in accordance with the school’s policy.


Confiscation and return of electronic items

In determining whether to confiscate an electronic device, we consider the nature of the violation and institute measures in a progressive fashion.  Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

  • confiscation of item and return following parent conference
  • confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract
  • revocation of privilege to bring item to school.

Based on the policy, confiscation of a cell phone will result in a parent conference in order for the phone to be returned.