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Ouachita Parish committee narrows electronics policy to ban non‑school‑issued devices with recording capability
Summary
A policy committee voted to tighten the school system—s electronic‑device rules, adding smartwatches and smart glasses to the definition of prohibited non‑school‑issued devices and limiting the ban to devices with audio/video/photo recording capacity; the change will go to the full board in February.
The Ouachita Parish policy committee voted to amend its electronic‑telecommunication device policy to explicitly include smartwatches and smart glasses and to limit the prohibition to non–school‑issued devices that can record audio, video or take photographs. The committee approved the change after a discussion on enforcement and privacy concerns.
Committee members said the revision was prompted by recent appearances of consumer smart glasses and increasing classroom technology. "Shall include but are not limited to non school issued cellular telephones, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, tablet devices, ereaders, smart smartwatches, smart glasses, or similar devices that have the capacity to record audio and video and take photographs," said an unidentified committee member proposing the rewording. Members also raised the risk that some wearable devices could record in private spaces such as bathrooms or locker rooms. "They do have the capability to record," another member observed during the discussion about smart glasses.
Law and enforcement issues informed the debate: members noted school‑issued devices such as Chromebooks have cameras, and several said they wanted the policy to apply to non–school‑issued hardware only. "School issued would be my suggestion there as far as language goes," one member said, to avoid categorizing curriculum devices as prohibited. The committee also referenced work by a local AI study group and noted technology will evolve, so the policy should focus on recording capability rather than specific brand names.
The committee approved the policy change with the proposed language clarifying that covered devices are non–school‑issued items with audio or video recording or photo capability. The chair said the updated policy will be placed on the February board meeting agenda for final action.
Implementation questions remain: members flagged enforcement challenges (distinguishing school‑issued from non–school‑issued devices, future watches with video capability) and asked staff to monitor legislation and adapt the policy as new devices appear. The committee recorded the motion and vote as passed; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the committee minutes.
Next steps: the revised electronic‑device policy will be presented to the full Ouachita Parish School Board at the board—s February meeting for consideration.
