The details
HISD trustees approved the district’s new cellphone policy during the board’s July 21 meeting.
According to the new policy, students will be prohibited from using the following personal devices during school hours:
- Cellphones
- Smartwatches
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Headphones
- Earbuds
- Gaming devices
- Radios
- Pagers
Perkins said the bill requires all public school districts to adopt policies banning the use of personal communication devices during school hours.
“This is not a Humble ISD thing,” Perkins said. “This is a state thing.”
A closer look
Perkins said the new policy prohibits students from using personal devices from the moment they enter their campus until the dismissal bell. He noted the ban includes classrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias, hallways and restrooms.
According to the policy, HISD high school and middle school students can store their devices in their pockets, handbags, backpacks or purses during the school day. Elementary students can store their devices in their purses, backpacks or handbags.
Perkins said disciplinary consequences differ for elementary students compared to high school and middle school students.
For high school and middle school students, Perkins said punishments for violating the policy range from being sent to discipline hall, or detention, to multiple days of in-school suspension, depending on how many times the student has been in violation.
Perkins said high school students with more than one extended detention—which is given on the second offense—or in-school suspension cannot exempt any of their final exams.
For elementary students, Perkins said punishments range from having their devices sent to the front office to in-school suspension.
Perkins noted students at all grade levels can pick up their phones at the end of the school day after their first offense. After their second offense, a parent or guardian will be required to pick up the device after school.
Also of note
Perkins listed several exceptions to the new policy, noting students will be authorized to use their personal devices if the student's use is necessary:
- For the implementation of their individualized education program plan, or a similar program or plan
- Due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician
- To comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law, or as part of the district’s or campus’ safety protocols
Perkins said the policy will be in effect when the 2025-26 school year begins Aug. 13.
According to a July 22 news release, district officials said parents and guardians of students can help students follow the new requirements by contacting their campus’ front office to have a message delivered to their child.
