Frisco ISD bans all cell phone use under new state law

Frisco ISD students will not be allowed to use their cell phones and other personal devices during the school day after a new state mandate goes into effect.

Personal devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds and Bluetooth headphones—must be turned off and stored in backpacks when the school day begins, according to a district news release. The policy applies to passing periods, lunch and any other non-instructional time a student has on campus, the release stated.

Some context

House Bill 1481 was passed by the 89th Texas Legislature in June and requires school districts to adopt policies which restrict students from using personal communication devices during school hours.

The law is meant to reduce districts and encourage student interactions to create a focused learning environment, the release stated.

Major takeaways

Students will only be allowed to use district-issued technology, such as Chromebooks, during the school day.

Students will have access to school resources and staff in case of emergencies or urgent messages from parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the campus front office if they must contact their child during the school day, the release stated.

Parents and students can find additional information about the policy and its implementation at www.friscoisd.org/hb1481.