Dripping Springs ISD enacts cellphone ban to comply with state law

Dripping Springs ISD students are now prohibited from using cellphones during the school day, as the district updates its policies to comply with new Texas legislation.

The details

The updated policy comes from the passage of House Bill 1481. The law prohibits the use of personal communication devices, such as cellphones, during the school day.

DSISD defines the time constraints as from the time students enter campus in the morning until they leave at the end of the regular school day. This includes passing periods and lunch.

Students are given the option to leave communication devices at home or to keep devices stored away in places such as backpacks, lockers or vehicles.

Prohibited devices include:

• Cellphones
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Fitness trackers with messaging capabilities
• Earbuds and wireless headphones
• Personal computers
• Radio or paging devices
• Gaming devices
• Any other personal communication devices

There are limited exceptions for students who have a documented need, as stated in the bill.

Students in violation of the policy will face disciplinary action.

DSISD officials did not respond to request for comment on what parents and should do if they need to communicate with each other, communication protocols in case of emergency, or the process for upgrading old Chromebooks.

One more thing

DSISD school hours are as follows:

• Elementary school: 7:10 a.m. doors open, 7:40 a.m. tardy bell, 3:05 p.m. end of day
• Middle and high school: 8 a.m. doors open, 8:50 a.m. tardy bell, 4:15 p.m. end of day