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Student Personal Smart and Other Communication Devices

Board Policy 5151.8

Morgan Hill Unified School District is committed to creating safe, focused, and supportive learning environments where students can fully engage in their education. To help minimize distractions during the school day and support student well-being, MHUSD has established guidelines for the use of personal smart devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, personal laptops, and other internet-enabled devices.

The guidelines below outline age-appropriate expectations for students in grades TK–12, along with important exceptions for emergencies, educational purposes, medical needs, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We encourage families to review the policy and partner with us in helping students develop healthy and responsible habits around technology use.

Student Personal Smart and Other Communication Devices Policy

The Governing Board recognizes that student use of personal smart devices (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, smartpens, personal laptops, smart cameras, and other internet-enabled devices) on campus may be beneficial to student learning and safety but can also be harmful and disruptive to the instructional program, mental health, and school climate. As a result, when on campus and/or under the supervision of district employees, the Governing Board further desires to limit the use of personal smart devices during instructional time.  

The Superintendent or designee may, in accordance with applicable law, implement measures or strategies to limit students' access to personal smart devices while on campus (Education Code 48901.7). Possession of a personal smart device is a privilege that is conditional on the appropriate use of the device.  

The Governing Board supports Grade band (TK-5, 6-8, 9-12) appropriate restrictions on personal smart devices in a manner that promotes a gradual increase in the release of responsibility.

  1. Grades TK-5: Students may use their personal smart devices in designated drop-off and pick-up areas when staff supervision is present. Students who need to call parents during instructional time may use the school phone with permission from a staff member.
  2. Grades 6–8: Students may use their personal smart devices before and after school, during passing periods, lunch, and brunch in designated, supervised areas.  
  3. Grades 9-12: Students may use their personal smart devices before and after school, during passing periods, lunch, and brunch in designated, supervised areas.  


All schools will work with their daily announcements and student leadership to conduct frequent, appropriate messaging and activities about smart device use to raise awareness of dopamine addiction, mental health, campus safety, and other related concerns.  

The following are allowable exceptions per Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7:  

1. In the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger, provided use does not interfere with following the directions of school personnel or emergency responders.  
2. When a teacher or administrator grants a student permission to possess or use a device, subject to any reasonable limitations imposed by that teacher or administrator, e.g., for class-related activities or educationally related purposes outlined in the curriculum.
3. When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that possession or use of a personal smart device is medically necessary, the student’s use shall be limited exclusively to the documented medical purpose, as implemented and monitored by the school, and shall not extend to general or unrestricted access to the device.
4. When a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires the possession or use of a personal smart device, authorization is limited exclusively to the specific functions and purposes documented in the IEP, and does not permit general or unrestricted device access.

While at school, students must use district-provided devices, district networks, and district student accounts, which are subject to district acceptable use monitoring and URL access limitations to educationally relevant sites. Students are required to follow the terms outlined in the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement.

At the beginning of each school year, school staff shall clearly communicate the District’s expectations regarding the use of personal smart devices to students and their parents/guardians. Specific information regarding this communication is contained in the accompanying Administrative Regulation, including storage and accessibility of smart devices.  

The district will not be responsible or liable for any student's personal smart device that is lost, stolen, or damaged while on campus or at a school activity.

School staff may review this policy and adjust student and staff training to improve its implementation, as needed.

​​​​​​​The Board may review, as necessary, at least once every five years. Any such review or update shall encourage participation by educational partners.