Wireless Devices Policy Reminder

Williamson County Schools would like to remind families about the Use of Wireless Communication Devices policy the School Board approved last year in accordance with State law.

The policy states that students in kindergarten through eighth grades may possess wireless communication devices at school as long as the devices are silenced and not used during the school day. Students in ninth through twelfth grades may possess wireless communication devices at school as long as such devices are silenced and not used during the school day, but they will continue to be allowed to use the devices during their lunch period.

Wireless communication devices include any portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging or other data communication between two or more parties, such as a cellphone, wearable technology, laptops, tablets and gaming devices.

A student may be permitted to use a wireless communication device:

• in the event of an emergency;
• when authorized by a teacher for educational purposes;
• to manage the student's health, as documented in the student's individual healthcare plan;
• when the possession or use is required by the student's Individual Education Program (IEP), active 504 plan or individual learning plan;
• or if the device is being used by a student with a disability for the operation of assistive technology to increase, maintain or improve the student's functional capabilities.

Schools will reinforce phone and wireless device storage expectations at the start of the school year. Any visible device during school hours may be confiscated. Confiscated devices will be secured and returned to the student at the end of the school day.  

In the event of an emergency, families will be contacted through the district’s notification system either by text, email and/or phone call.

The district has established a Screentime and Technology Use Committee composed of teachers, administrators, parents and WCS School Board members. The committee has been tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to the Williamson County School Board regarding the policy and will continue its work into the 2026-27 school year.