Klein ISD bans student cellphone use, per state law

Klein ISD students must keep cellphones and other electronic devices silenced and put away during school hours under a new state-mandated policy.

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During KISD's Sept. 8 regular board meeting, trustees unanimously approved an update for a new cellphone policy. The policy was changed to align with House Bill 1481, which was passed by state lawmakers in June, said a Klein ISD spokesperson via a Sept. 10 email.

Under the new policy, students will be required to keep personal communication devices, including cellphones, text messaging devices, laptops and tablets, silent and stored away throughout the school day, according to Sept. 8 meeting documents. Students will be able to use communication devices before and after school.

HB 1481 is "meant to create phone-free learning environments in classrooms and protect the safety and online privacy of Texas children,” according to an Aug. 1 news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.

Diving in deeper

According to meeting documents, students can use communication devices if:

• It helps implement an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan for students with disabilities.
• A student has a need documented by a “qualified physician."
• The district needs to comply with health or safety protocols required by local policy or by law.

Staff members may confiscate the devices of students who do not follow KISD’s new cellphone policy, according to meeting documents.