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Student Electronic Devices

Use ot Personal Electronic Devices

This school year, students across Utah and in Salt Lake City School District will see new expectations around personal electronic devices during the school day. These changes come from a new state law and subsequent updates to district policy.

Personal electronic devices include:

  • Cellphones
  • Smartwatches
  • AI-enabled glasses
  • Other similar personal technology

In elementary and middle schools, students' personal devices must stay out of sight and be turned off or set to silent mode throughout the school day, unless a specific accommodation has been approved in writing.

In high schools, personal devices must stay out of sight and be turned off or set to silent mode during instructional time, unless a specific accommodation has been approved in writing.

District-owned devices, such as student laptops, may be used during instructional time as directed by school staff.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes. Student safety always comes first. Devices may be used when:

  • Responding to an immediate health or safety threat
  • There is a school-wide emergency
  • A student needs to access the SafeUT Crisis Line
  • Required by a student's IEP or Section 504 Plan
  • A documented medical necessity applies

Parents may also request an accommodation for their student to briefly use a device in a designated area during non-instructional time, according to district procedures. Contact your school office to start that conversation.