📵 Texas House Bill 1481: Temporary Phone-Free School Day
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, we would like to inform families about a new Texas law—House Bill 1481—which restricts the use of personal communication devices by students during school hours. This law, effective August 4, 2025, applies to all public and charter schools and includes cell phones, smartwatches, and other telecommunication-capable devices.
While school districts have 90 days to formally develop and adopt local policies, we will begin the year by honoring the spirit of the law by implementing a phone-free school day for all students in grades 6–12.
🔒 Starting Day One:
-
Students will not be permitted to use personal phones or smartwatches at any time during the school day, including passing periods and lunch.
-
Devices must be turned off and kept out of sight (in backpacks or stored per classroom guidance).
-
Our staff will provide clear expectations and consistent support.
We will share a finalized policy and implementation plan with families later this fall, and we welcome your input. Our focus is on creating a more engaged, distraction-free learning environment that supports student well-being and academic growth.
Thank you for partnering with us as we navigate this change together.
For more information, Texas House Bill 1481, relating to student use of personal communication devices in schools, can be found on the Texas Legislature Online website.