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Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy
Personal Electronic Device Policy
In July 2025, Governor Tina Kotek released Executive Order No. 25-09 which requires that all Oregon school districts have a policy in place that restricts the use of personal electronic devices from the start of regular instructional hours to the end of regular instructional hours. In compliance with this Executive Order, on October 22, 2025, the Centennial School District Board of Directors adopted a revised version of Policy JFCEB, which outlines our District’s policy for personal electronic devices.
Click here to view Policy JFCEB - Personal Electronic Devices
Definition of a Personal Electronic Device
A “personal electronic device” means any portable, electrically powered device that is capable of making and receiving class and text messages and accessing the internet independently from the school’s network infrastructure. This includes:
- Smartphones
- Web-enabled flip phones
- Cellular-capable tablets and e-readers
- Smartwatches
- Smart glasses
- Headphones or earbuds connected/attached to another personal electronic device
This definition does not include a laptop computer or other device required to support academic activities. In some of our schools, the new policy will look and feel very similar to existing practices.
Important Components of the New Policy for Centennial School District:
- Student use of a personal electronic device is prohibited from the start of regular instructional hours until the end of regular instructional hours.
- If students are under the supervision of school personnel other than a bus driver, the use of personal electronic devices is prohibited during regular instructional hours. This includes off-campus field trips.
- Personal electronic devices may be kept by students in school or classroom lockers or backpacks, but these devices may not be stored on the student’s person or in the student’s clothing during regular instructional hours.
- Discipline for possession or use of a personal electronic device may not include loss of instructional time for the student, but could include detention, a change to storage requirements, or other disciplinary measures. Schools will determine age and grade level appropriate disciplinary steps in alignment with Policy JFCEB for enforcement of the personal electronic device policy.
Important Components of the New Policy
- Device use is prohibited each day from the start of school until the end of school.
- Device use is prohibited when students are under the supervision of school staff other than a bus driver. This includes off-campus field trips.
- Personal electronic devices may be kept in school or classroom lockers or backpacks, but may not be stored on the student’s person or in the student’s clothing.
- Discipline for possession or use of a personal electronic device may not include loss of instructional time for the student, but could other disciplinary measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This change is in accordance with the required Governor’s Executive Order 25-09 and is supported by strong research in improving student academic performance and mental health.
Personal electronic devices are a regular part of students’ lives, but their use during the school day has raised significant concerns. Research shows that constant access to devices and social media can lead to:
- Reduced focus
- Increased bullying
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Weaker peer connections
The new policy helps students focus better during class time, improves learning outcomes, and encourages face-to-face interactions with peers.
For more information why removing cell phones and other personal electronic devices from the school day is a positive change for students, here are some resources:
More information around the need for changing the expectation of cell phone use in schools can be found in the Oregon Department of Education’s Fostering Student Learning, Well-Being, and Belonging: Guidance for Personal Electronic Device Policies.
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You can call the school’s main office at any time. The staff will ensure your message reaches your child promptly. This process helps avoid classroom interruptions and keeps students safe. If a student needs to contact their family during the school day due to an urgent situation, school staff can assist the student in using a school phone in the main office.
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While we approach all behavior with support and understanding, students are held accountable for meeting school expectations.
When a student struggles to follow the PED policy, staff respond with clear, consistent consequences paired with opportunities for reflection and reteaching. This may include loss of privileges, restorative conversations, or other appropriate responses based on the situation.
Consequences that result in a loss of instructional time, such as suspension, will not be imposed solely for violating the Personal Electronic Device expectations. However, if the use of a personal electronic device is part of a separate policy violation (for example, cyberbullying), consequences related to that violation may be applied, consistent with district policies, and may include loss of instructional time.
The goal is to help students build responsibility and self-regulation skills, but accountability is an essential part of that process.
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We understand that phones can be a helpful tool for emotional regulation. The school offers alternative strategies such as counseling, sensory tools, and breaks. We encourage families to communicate with staff about any specific needs so we can provide appropriate support which may or may not include an exemption.
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Yes. The Governor’s Order provides clarity about these potential exemptions:
- A student’s medical provider’s order for the care and treatment of a medical condition
- A student’s IEP or 504 plan
- A written exemption provided for the student based on a request received under Board Policy JFCEB-AR
Please note that students who have an exemption under these circumstances may use their phone or other PED for the purposes of the accommodation or use that is described in their documented plan. For more information about requesting a PED Exception, please see Board Policy JFCEB-AR.
Concerns About Emergency Communications
Many parents/guardians consider cell phones to be a lifeline during emergencies, allowing quick communication between children and families. But this type of communication can have unintended consequences:
- Excessive communication can overwhelm cellular networks, hindering effective response efforts by public safety personnel.
- Contact with others via personal electronic devices could distract students from hearing vital instructions from school staff in an emergency.
- A phone's alerts, alarms, notification sounds or vibrations could potentially bring unwanted attention to a student during an emergency.
In the event of a school emergency, the district has structured procedures in place to communicate with families around the status of the situation and what to do next to keep everyone safe in the situation. Learn more about district safety processes and emergency communication practices here.