Clarksville Adopts Cell Phone Ban School Policy Complies With New State Law
by Janice Penix
A ban on student cell phone use was adopted as part of the student handbooks approved by the Clarksville School Board at a meeting Monday, Aug. 4.
The district’s policy, which is in compliance with the new “Bell to Bell, No Cell” law passed during the 2025 legislative session, prohibits students from possessing any personal electronic devices during the school day, unless the device is required by an individual education plan (IEP), 504 plan or individual health plan; or if the possession of the device is during an emergency.
Emergencies, as defined by the policy, include serious, unexpected and dangerous situations that require immediate action, including active fires, tornadoes or earthquakes, an active shooter, evacuation of school grounds or a medical emergency.
Possession of devices is also permitted if the device is issued by the district for use during the school day or it is during a special event during the school day. Use of electronic devices at school-sponsored functions outside the regular school day is allowed.
The policy also contains provisions for the misuse of devices even when they are allowed to be in a student’s possession. Misuse will include using a device during class time or at an event that was not designated as a special event; engaging in academic dishonesty; recording audio or video in areas where an expectation of privacy exists, such as restrooms or locker rooms; creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possessing indecent visual depiction of an individual; and browsing the internet, composing or reading emails or text messages or making or answering phone calls.
Unauthorized possession of a device or its misuse will result in the device being confiscated by school administration.
At the high school, junior high and middle school campuses, students may bring a personal cell phone or electronic device to school, but the school handbooks state the device is required to be turned off and put away, either in a backpack or a vehicle, when students are inside the building during the school day. This includes the lunch period.
Students cannot have a device powered on, hold or use a device, or carry a device in a pocket or on their person while on campus during school hours.
Possession or use of cell phones is prohibited at the intermediate, elementary and primary campuses.
In a related matter, a policy regarding cell phone use by employees during instructional time was approved as a proposal to the licensed personnel policy committee.
The full story appears in the Aug. 13 edition of The Graphic, found online and in businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.
