Our electronic device policy remains largely unchanged in elementary schools. However, we do want to post this as a reminder so you can prepare appropriately for the school year.
Senate Bill 178: Devices in Public Schools went into effect July 1, 2025, and prohibits students from using cell phones, smartwatches, or emerging technologies during classroom hours. While establishing a default, the law allows local education agencies (school districts) to create exemptions and craft their own policies.
The Davis School District Board of Education adopted a policy that prohibits electronic devices in elementary schools throughout the entire school day. In secondary schools, students will be permitted to access them during passing periods and lunch.
While East Layton Elementary has always had a no cell phone policy, the addition of smartwatches is new. In the past watches could be worn if they were used strictly to tell time, but if they are used in class as a cell phone device, it will then be required to be stored in backpacks during the school day just like cell phones. If that occurs, the following steps will be taken to help support students who access electronic devices during school hours.
1. First occurrence: the device will be taken away by the teacher and returned to the student at the end of the day. Parents will be notified.
2. Second occurrence: the device will be taken away and turned into the office for the day. An administrator will meet with the student and return the device to the student at the end of the day. Parents will be notified.
3. 3rd occurrence: the device will be taken away and turned into the office. A parent will be required to pick up the device in the office.
Students who have a device listed as an accommodation on a special education or health plan (such as diabetics who use a phone to monitor glucose levels) are exempt from this policy as it pertains to their accommodation.