Digital devices in classrooms are intended to enhance purposeful gospel learning and help students deepen their conversion to Jesus Christ. This direction also responds to questions arising from new policies on cell phone use in public schools. After counseling with the Executive Board of Education, Seminaries and Institutes, and the Missionary Department, the following is unified guidance to support teachers and students.
Our vision is for students to use technology intentionally as they study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets, preparing them for lifelong discipleship and missionary service. Teachers are encouraged to help students understand that appropriate device use is directly connected to deepening their conversion to Jesus Christ. When misuse occurs, teachers respond with patience, love, and a focus on preserving relationships and fostering spiritual experiences.
The following principles provide a standard for moving forward.
Purposeful use of technology means helping students use their devices in ways that strengthen their ability to learn the gospel and feel the Spirit, rather than distract from it.
You might do this during scripture study, lesson activities, personal reflection, or anytime students need access to talks, videos, or doctrinal explanations. Intentional, well‑guided technology use prepares students for lifelong discipleship, missionary service, and real‑world gospel study, helping them build habits that invite revelation instead of noise.
Avoid distractions by closing unrelated apps and enabling Gospel Library.
Model purposeful use by demonstrating how digital tools support study and revelation.
Emphasize the standard: cell phones should not be a distraction and may be used only for purposeful instruction and gospel learning.
See Life Prep Lesson 177 - Taking Charge of Technology to support discussions about purposeful technology use.
See the Church’s Media Safety section in Life Help for the following: Understanding Media; Preparing a Plan; and Using Media Wisely.
See Taking Charge of Technology in the Church’s Youth section for additional information and ideas.
Classroom management with cell phones means creating clear, Spirit‑focused routines that help students use devices in ways that support learning. This includes teaching students when and how to use their phones for gospel purposes while setting expectations that maintain reverence and engagement.
Intentional structure protects relationships, helps students hear the Holy Ghost, and builds lifelong habits of purposeful technology use.
Set clear expectations for when phones are used and when they are put away.
Use simple cues like “Scriptures on” or “Screens down” to create predictable rhythms that help students shift attention with purpose.
Support students using paper scriptures.
Apply the same classroom management principles used for talking, behavior, or other disruptions. Be consistent, loving, and focused on learning.
See Additional Teacher Resources - Classroom Management for classroom management principles and additional help.
Teaching students to navigate and study in the Gospel Library app helps their devices become tools for discipleship rather than distractions. This includes showing them how to access scriptures, talks, videos, study help, and features like tags, notes, and highlights that deepen understanding.
The Gospel Library is the primary digital study tool they will use for missions, personal study, and lifelong learning. Helping them master it now empowers them to seek revelation with confidence.
Demonstrate navigation of scriptures, manuals, and study helps.
Teach highlighting, tagging, and notes to support personal revelation.
Encourage use of “Related Content” to deepen understanding.
Reinforce that whether students use paper scriptures or the app, the purpose is the same: to come unto Christ by studying His word and feeling His Spirit.
Those wanting to can download the Gospel Library app on cell phones or laptops from the iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play Store), Windows (Microsoft Store). The app provides additional resources and easier navigation then the Gospel Library website in a browser.
Gospel Library Help or Support can be found online here or in the Gospel Library app itself. You and your students will be able to find and learn more about:
Settings
User Guide
Searching
Marking Content
Study Tools
Study Plans
Sharing Content
and much more