SCS updates student handbooks with new cell phone and smartwatch policy

The Shelbyville Central Schools board approved the 2026-2027 student handbook revisions at its June meeting.

Those revisions include the new cellular phone policy which will ban smart devices during regular school hours.

The Shelbyville High School handbook now states students may not possess or use a wireless electronic device which is “portable and is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communications between two or more persons and includes cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, digital cameras, gaming devices, smartwatches, or similar devices in a manner which constitutes an interference with a school purpose or educational function.”

The new handbook rule is not violated when a student has been given clear permission from a school administrator or a designated staff member to possess or use.

If this rule is violated, students may be disciplined and the device may be confiscated by school administration to be returned to a parent.

“I think the thing to remember is, we are going to follow the law,” said SCS Superintendent Dr. Matt Vance referring to Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 78. “It is a law. We will do the best we can. We want parents to cooperate with us and understand that we have an obligation as a school to follow the law. That’s our job.

“Whether some agree with it, I understand that. We have a law that was passed and enacted and we have to abide by it.”

At Shelbyville Middle School (photo), “students are not allowed to possess cell phones during the school day.”

This includes classrooms, hallways, cafeteria (lunch), or bathrooms. Students who bring a cell phone to school will be required to stow it powered off and inaccessible during the entire school day.

In addition, smartwatches may not be worn during the school day and must be powered off and inaccessible. Air pods, earbuds and headphones should not be worn during the school day unless they are used in conjunction with an IEP, 504, or medical plan.

“I think the key is, we will follow the law and have policies in place,” said Vance. “We will try and be as cooperative with everyone as possible and we need everyone to cooperate with us.”

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