2026-27 Personal Electronic Device Update
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Lower Dauphin High School is implementing consistent expectations for student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time.
In previous years, classroom cell phone use was largely left to individual teacher discretion. This school year, all classrooms will follow the district's Personal Electronic Devices Policy (School Board Policy 237), providing students and families with clear, consistent expectations throughout the building.
This update also helps prepare the district for potential future changes at the state level. Pennsylvania House Bill 1814, if enacted, would require Pennsylvania schools to implement a bell-to-bell restriction on student cell phone use beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. By establishing consistent expectations now, Lower Dauphin High School is taking a proactive approach while continuing to support focused, engaging learning environments.
As we begin a new school year, we would like to share an important reminder regarding the district's Personal Electronic Devices Policy (School Board Policy 237) for students at Lower Dauphin High School.
To support a focused, respectful, and academically engaging learning environment, the School Board has established clear expectations for the use of personal electronic devices during the school day.
At the high school level, students may use personal electronic devices during non-instructional times, including before school, during hallway passing time, during lunch, and during administratively assigned study halls. Use during these times must remain appropriate and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
During instructional time, personal electronic devices including cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and laptops (that are not district-issued), e-readers, gaming devices, tech-integrated eyewear, and similar technology must be kept away and out of sight unless a teacher has specifically authorized their use for an instructional purpose. Teachers may also require devices to be stored in a designated location during class.
Students who fail to follow these expectations may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
We recognize that technology plays an important role in students' daily lives. This policy is designed to minimize distractions during instruction while allowing teachers to intentionally incorporate technology into learning when it enhances the educational experience.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain classrooms where students can stay engaged, build meaningful connections with their peers and teachers, and make the most of every learning opportunity.