Texas cell phone ban: How Houston-area school districts are handling it

HOUSTON — As we’ve been reporting, there are new rules in place for cell phones inside of all Texas classrooms. A new state law gives districts the power to decide how students can and can’t use their devices during the school day.

House Bill 1481 prohibits K through 12 students from using personal communication devices during the school day in public schools. The bill also requires school districts to develop policies that enforce the ban.

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In HISD, the following devices are prohibited on school property during the instructional day: Cell phones, smart watches, tablets and headphones/earbuds.

• 1st offense: Device confiscated and returned to a parent after school
• 2nd offense: Device held until the next day
• 3rd offense: Device held for two school days 

You can read more about HISD’s policy here. 

Lamar CISD students headed back to class Monday. Their policy prohibits the use of cell phones and two-way radios, smart watches, even things like smart glasses, headphones, and earbuds. Students in violation of the policies there will have their devices confiscated and a parent or guardian will have to pick up the phone. A fifth violation of the policy could result in the student being sent to an alternative learning center. 

You can read more about Lamar CISD’s policy here.

In Katy ISD, they, too, are banning similar items like cell phones and smart watches. Students who violate the policies there will have their devices confiscated and parents will be required to pick them up. Additional consequences may be implemented. You can find those in the discipline management plan and student code of conduct. 

You can read more about Katy ISD’s policy here.

In Cy-Fair ISD, they, too, are banning similar items like cell phones, iPads, and smart watches, and they’re requiring all devices to be turned off and stored in the student’s personal bag or backpack at all times during the school day.

You can read more about the Cy-Fair ISD policy here.

In Fort Bend ISD, cell phones, smart watches/glasses, two-way radios (walkie-talkies), tablets, and similar technology must be turned off and out of sight from the bell that starts the day to the one that ends it. Any device that is used or visible during school hours could be confiscated, and there could be disciplinary action. The policy includes classrooms, hallways, library, cafeteria, restrooms, locker rooms, and any other shared campus spaces

You can read more about the Fort Bend ISD policy here.

There are exceptions to the rules which allow students to use their devices for medical reasons or if it’s a district-issued device like a tablet for education purposes.