New Texas law bans cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc. during school

Information from a Leander ISD press release:

As Leander ISD starts the 2025–2026 school year, a new Texas law — House Bill 1481 — says students may not use personal communication devices during the school day which is a significant change.

That means cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication are prohibited while on school property from the first bell to the last bell. Devices must be turned off, out of sight, and stored away — in a locker, designated pouch, or backpack — for the entire school day.

The school day, also known as the instructional day, encompasses the period from the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods. Students may use personal devices before the first bell and after the final bell, including on any district-provided bus or other vehicle.

This new law applies to every public school in Texas, kindergarten through 12th grade.

LISD states: “We are required to adopt and enforce policies that match the law. While this change may propose a significant shift, it’s designed with students’ success in mind. By removing the distraction of devices, we can boost focus and engagement in the classroom, spark more real-world conversations and help limit negative online interactions and conflicts that can take away from learning. These clear expectations give students the chance to fully immerse themselves in their education — and in the friendships and connections that make school life so meaningful.”

Students may not use their phones to contact parents during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. If a student needs to make a call, they can use the front office phone. 

Smartwatches are included in the ban because they can send/receive messages, make calls, and otherwise communicate. Smartwatches must be off and away during the school day.  Students may wear watches during the school day if they are used strictly for telling time. The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning.

What if there’s a school emergency?

All campuses follow established emergency protocols. During a lockdown, evacuation, or any other Standard Response Protocol, students are guided by trained staff. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families. As soon as information becomes available, families will receive official updates and instructions directly from the district through LISD’s communication platform, ParentSquare. This ensures timely, accurate information and helps reduce confusion.

There are a few exceptions to ensure that students who truly need access to their devices for learning, health, or safety reasons can still use them, while keeping the overall focus on creating a distraction-free school day for everyone.

What happens if the rules are broken

The goal of the new device policy is to support learning, not to punish. However, consistent expectations are important. Here’s how LISD will address violations:

  • First Steps: Students who use a device during the school day will first receive a verbal or written warning. If the behavior continues, parents or guardians will be contacted so LISD can work together to address the issue before it becomes a bigger concern.
  • Device Collection: If necessary, a prohibited device — such as a cell phone, tablet, smartwatch, radio device, or paging device — may be collected and held at the school. It will be returned directly to a parent or guardian. (If the device is not picked up within 90 calendar days after notification, the school may dispose of it.)
  • Loss of Privilege: Ongoing violations may lead to the student losing the privilege of bringing an electronic communication device to school at all.
  • Further Consequences: Continued misuse will be treated as a violation of the Leander ISD Student Code of Conduct, which could result in additional disciplinary action.

These steps are designed to give students opportunities to correct the behavior early, keep families in the loop, and ensure that classrooms remain focused, respectful spaces for learning.

“We understand that personal devices are valuable. If a student’s phone is confiscated, it will be securely stored in a designated area in the front office. Only authorized staff have access, and the phone will remain there until it is returned to the student and/or picked up by a parent or guardian,” shared LISD.