Effective: August 1, 2026
Pursuant to RIGL §16-21-43
This policy aims to reduce distractions, maintain a safe and focused learning environment, and protect the privacy of students and staff. It aligns with Rhode Island General Law 16-21-43 and applies to all Smithfield Public Schools.
A personal electronic device includes, but is not limited to:
Smartphones and mobile phones
Smartwatches & smart eyewear
Tablets
Personal computers
Any device not issued by Smithfield Public Schools that connects to the internet or a wireless network.
Students may not access or use personal electronic devices during the school day unless authorized by a written plan (see Exceptions section).
For grades PK-12, all electronic devices not issued by Smithfield Public Schools must be powered off and stored in a district-provided locking container (grades 6-12), placed out of view in backpacks or in designated storage areas and remain off until departing from school grounds at the end of the regular school day.
For grades PK-12, all electronic devices must be powered/turned off and stored in a district-provided locking container (grades 6-12), placed out of view in backpacks or designated storage areas upon entering school grounds and remain off until departing from school grounds at the end of the regular school day.
Site based administrators, with approval of the Superintendent, will develop a protocol to secure electronic devices when confiscated or otherwise held.
Students are prohibited from utilizing district Wi-Fi or internet capabilities for any personal cell phone or personal electronic devices.
Students are prohibited from having possession of any electronic device, as defined by this policy, in any school restroom/bathroom/locker room or other areas as determined by the administration.
Headphones, AirPods, or similar devices may only be used during instructional time with school-issued technology and teacher direction and approval.
First Offense: Device will be surrendered to a staff member, turned into administration, for student pick up at the end of the school day, in the main office or designated area.
Second Offense: Device will be surrendered to staff members, turned into administration. The device will be available for parent pickup, at the end of the school day.
Third Offense: Device will be surrendered to staff members and delivered to the administration. The student will be assigned detention, and the device will be available upon the completion of the detention/ parent contact.
Continuous Offenses: Additional consequences will be implemented by administration, including daily confiscation of the electronic device, parent meetings, revoking of social and other privileges and further in-house suspension.
The respective student discipline codes and student handbooks shall be amended to reflect these offenses and consequences.
Use of a personal device may be permitted when:
Required by an IEP or 504 Plan for access to assistive technology
Needed for medical monitoring (e.g., glucose monitoring)
Identified in a multilingual learner (MLL) support plan
Required in emergency situations
All exceptions must be documented and approved by the appropriate team (IEP, 504, nurse, MLL coordinator). Students with exceptions will not be segregated or treated differently. Plans will be shared with administrators and the student’s teachers. Students with Authorized Use Plans must adhere to the plan.
No school official shall search the contents of any retained personal electronic device unless legally authorized. Locked storage or container systems may be used for retention. If parents are concerned about their child’s phone being stolen, they may advise their child to deposit the phone with the principal/assistant principal in the morning and pick it up after school.
Students may request to use the school phone via the main office. In urgent cases, students may be allowed to use their personal phone under staff supervision.
Parents must contact the main office to reach students during school hours for urgent matters. They should not call or text their child directly during the day.
Parents/guardians are expected to support this policy and remind their children of expectations.
Parents concerned about theft or distraction may have their child check in the device with administration each morning.
Families will be notified of each violation and related disciplinary action, and may be asked to attend conferences as necessary.
Communication And Training
The policy will be distributed to all students, parents/guardians, and staff before the start of each academic year in the Student Handbooks. Staff will receive training on enforcing the policy consistently.
This policy was developed in consultation with building leaders, staff representatives, and aligned with state guidelines. It shall be reviewed annually in accordance with updated research and guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Education.
ADOPTED: August 19, 2024
REVISED: June 4, 2026