Personal Electronic Device Policy

R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-43 requires each public school to have a policy regarding the use of Personal Electronic Devices (“PED”) on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. PEDs include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, computers, smartwatches or other electronic devices not owned or provided to a student by a public school that is capable of communication through the Internet or a wireless network. The purpose of such policies is to reduce distractions, maintain environments focused on learning, and protect the privacy and safety of students and staff. Each local education agency (“LEA”) is required to file its school PED use policy with the Rhode Island Department of Education (“RIDE”).

RIDE has published Guidance for Establishing a Policy on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices in Schools. LEAs are required to file school personal electronic device use policies with RIDE no later than August 1, 2026. To file the LEA Policy on Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices with RIDE, LEAs must submit in PDF or DOC format a copy of the policy via email to PEDpolicy@ride.ri.gov. LEAs must also submit a completed checklist electronically at: Personal Electronic Device Policy Submission Form.

For questions related to this Guidance, please email PEDpolicy@ride.ri.gov.