Lake County Gazette

Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 will introduce a new Cell Phone & Electronic Device Use Procedure starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Board of Education approved the policy on July 21, following development by a research team made up of staff, students, parents, and administrators.

The procedure aims to create consistent and age-appropriate rules for personal device use during the school day. The district states that this change is intended to support student learning, wellbeing, and safety.

According to the district, the policy aligns with both its strategic plan goals and Board Policy 7:190. That policy prohibits using electronic devices in ways that disrupt the educational environment or violate student conduct rules.

The district says the new procedure was designed to follow current research on how cell phone use can negatively affect student learning, focus, and health. It also seeks to establish clear expectations across classrooms and schools, encourage healthy digital habits among students, and ensure fairness in enforcement so individual staff members are not solely responsible for managing device use.

Under the guidelines:

- All personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and similar items—must be put away during instructional periods. District-issued technology is not included.

- High school students may use devices before and after school, during lunch, and during passing periods. During class time, they must store their phones near them using a pouch system provided in each classroom.

- Middle school students must keep devices in their lockers throughout the day but may use them before or after school and at lunch.

- Elementary students must store devices in their lockers for the entire school day.

There are exceptions for students with IEPs or 504 plans who may have accommodations for device use. Some academic programs may also allow supervised device use with administrative approval. Devices can be used in classrooms only during defined emergencies such as medical issues or safety threats; routine matters should go through the school office.

A tiered consequence system will address violations of these rules. Consequences could include storing devices in the office or a secure pouch or restricting future use.

"Thank you for your partnership as we work together to help students thrive by being present and engaged in learning every day," said district officials.