Students are “strongly discouraged” from bringing personal cell phones and other electronic devices to school, in a new policy the Wiscasset School Committee adopted Feb. 12.

There was no discussion prior to adoption. Chairman Michael Dunn, Michelle Blagdon and Jason Putnam voted in favor it. Members Desiree Bailey and Indriani Demers were absent.

The policy states when and under what circumstances students can use their cell or iPhone, requiring it to be turned off during class and school activities. An exception is when a teacher “authorizes students to use a personal electronic device for a specific purpose.”

Students can carry cell phones and electronic devices on field trips and during extracurricular activities “only if authorized by the staff member in charge.” They’re allowed on school buses if not disruptive, or distracting the bus driver.

The policy requires students to get permission from a staff member before using an electronic device to photograph or take video of another person.

“Students must also obtain permission from any person appearing in a photograph or video prior to posting on any social networking site, or other internet site such as YouTube,” it states.

Section “E” of the policy prohibits students from “accessing, viewing, posting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal.”

Student are warned violating the policy could result in their phone or electronic device being subject to search.

Disciplinary actions include prohibiting a student from bringing their cell phone or electronic device to school, detention, to expulsion depending on the nature of the offense and the student’s disciplinary record.

“Evidence of illegal activities involving electronic devices (cell phones, iPhones, etc) will be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities,”it states.

The policy will be included within the student handbook and posted on the school system’s website.