Most states now require districts to restrict devices during the school day and document compliance. Use this checklist to see where you stand — regardless of which tools you use. Print it, check the boxes, and share the gaps with your team.
1 · Policy & governance
Written policy adopted that meets your state's statute (e.g., bell-to-bell vs. instructional-time only). Confirm the exact scope your state requires.
Board approval on record with an effective date and review cycle.
Consequences for violations defined and communicated to students and families.
Roles assigned — who owns enforcement, exceptions, reporting, and communication.
2 · Enforcement (the hard part)
Devices actually restricted during class, not just by the honor system. Personal phones and 1:1 school devices both covered?
On-campus / school-hours scoping so restrictions apply when required and release afterward.
Social media & games blocked on school-managed devices per policy.
Teacher burden minimized — staff aren't policing screens manually all day.
Low friction — enrollment is quick and battery/impact is acceptable to families.
3 · Exceptions & equity
IEP / 504 & medical exceptions honored per student without disabling the whole program.
Educational exceptions — teachers can authorize device use for a lesson when needed.
Emergency access — students can always reach 911.
4 · Safety
Emergency device lockdown — a way to lock/limit devices instantly during a drill or incident. How many seconds does it take today?
Drill tested — you've verified the lockdown works at scale, not just in theory.
5 · Reporting & evidence
Compliance is measurable — you can show what % of instructional time was device-restricted.
Audit log of policy changes and administrator actions.
State report ready — you can export the evidence your state requires, on demand.
6 · Privacy & communication
Privacy-respecting by design — no off-campus / after-hours tracking; minimal data; no data sales.
Parents informed with a clear explanation of what is and isn't done (and that it's off after the bell).
Vendor agreements signed — data-privacy agreement (e.g., SDPC/NDPA) with any tool that touches student data.
Staff & union alignment — enforcement reduces teacher burden and doesn't surveil staff.
Score yourself: Count your checks. 18–21 = strong, keep evidence current. 12–17 = policy's there but enforcement or reporting has gaps. Under 12 = you're exposed — prioritize automatic enforcement and exportable reporting before your next reporting cycle.
The two boxes most districts can't check: automatic enforcement and one-click emergency lockdown.
Focus delivers both — and the exportable compliance report — without replacing your MDM. See your own data with a free 60–90 day pilot.
Book a free pilot → ockhamlogic.com
This checklist is informational and not legal advice. State requirements vary and change; confirm your specific statute and reporting format with your counsel and state department of education.