PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

PAUSE THE SCREEN, CHASE THE DREAM

Oklahoma Senate Bill 139, effective July 1, 2025, requires all Oklahoma public school districts to limit the student use of personal electronic devices during the school instructional day. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, Putnam City Schools will enact a new policy to silence and put away devices from bell to bell.

pause the screen, chase the dream

Purpose

This law and policy aims to reduce distractions, strengthen engagement, and support a safe, respectful learning environment for all students.

Specifics

District Policy ER outlines the following:

  • Students must silence and put away all personal electronic devices from bell to bell

  • Personal electronic devices includes, but not limited to:

    • cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, wireless/smart headphones/earbuds, tablets and similar items

    • devices that can connect to a smartphone, internet, or cellular/Wi-Fi or directly connecting to another similar device

  • District-issued devices are exempt from this policy/law

    • Wired headphones may be used with District-issued devices

  • "Bell to bell" refers to the official start of the school day to the official end of the school day, including lunch and passing periods

  • Parents/guardians who need to reach your child during the school day can call the school office for a message to be delivered. Students may use the office phone to call parents/guardians.

Exemptions

Students may use personal devices only in the following situations:

  • Active emergencies requiring immediate communication for safety, including calling 911

    • includes the need for immediate communication to protect students/staff well-being, safety, or an actual or imminent threat that may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage

  • Medical monitoring, including glucose checks, etc.

  • In support of documented accommodations listed in a student's 504 Plan, IEP, or Medical Plan

More Details

  • Students may possess a personal electronic device while on school premises, in transit under the authority of the school, or while attending school-sponsored/authorized functions. This policy requires phones to be silenced or turned off and kept out of sight from bell to bell.

  • Any device that is confiscated will be returned to the student or to the parent/guardian as determined by District policy.

  • District Policy ER can be read in full here.

Interventions for Misuse of Personal Electronic Devices

Students found to be using a device or violating the policy shall be subject to intervention under the student discipline policy. District Policy ER defines interventions, illegal use, and searches for cell phones.

Frequently Asked Questions

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