New Cell Phone Law and What Parents Need to Know

Texas passed a new state law, House Bill 1481, that requires school districts to prohibit student use of personal communication devices at school during the instructional day. The goal and intent of the new law is to increase student focus in the education setting by reducing distractions. 

This means that starting August 13, on the first day of school, all Midlothian ISD students will be required to silence and store their communication devices in their backpacks (or storage pouches if the district moves in that direction). This includes keeping cell phones, Bluetooth earbuds, smartwatches, tablets, radios, pagers, and any device capable of telecommunication or digital communication, silenced and stored out of sight. Larger headphones should not be brought to school. The school supply list includes headphones and earbuds that are wired devices for use only with district-issued computers. The law provides school districts the ability to grant exceptions with documented medical needs, 504 or IEP accommodations, or other health and safety requirements.

The law requires school districts to implement both the process for individual storage and rules regarding consequences for violations. Midlothian ISD district policy has been updated to meet the new state law requirements and the district is in the process of finalizing local guidelines. Additional information will be shared before the first day of school. 

For now, MISD parents are encouraged to speak to their students about the new law and expectations at school to keep communication devices silenced and stored out of sight throughout the entire school day.