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Student Personal Communication Device Policy
Learn how the district is implementing HB 1481, a new state law which prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students during the school day.
House Bill 1481, enacted during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, is a law that prohibits students from using personal digital communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and personal tablets, during the school day.
Garland ISD already had a strong policy prohibiting cell phone use during class; however, this new law goes further by prohibiting all personal device use for the entire school day, not just during instructional time. This means students will no longer be able to use devices during passing periods, lunch, or other non-instructional times while on campus.
The intent behind this legislation is to promote student well-being and create a more focused learning environment. Research cited by lawmakers shows that excessive device use can contribute to shorter attention spans, higher anxiety, and decreased social interaction. By reducing distractions, we can help students stay engaged in learning, connect more with their peers, and benefit from improved academic and social outcomes.
What counts as a personal communication device?
- Cell phones (smartphones, flip phones)
- Laptops, Tablets, iPads, Smartwatches, Smartglasses
- Earbuds, headphones, radios, or any device capable of calling, texting, recording, or accessing the internet
School-issued devices are not considered personal communication devices and will continue to be provided for instructional purposes. As part of this change, students may no longer bring their own laptops, tablets, or other personal devices to school. All students will use their district-issued device for classroom learning to ensure equity, safety, and compliance with the law.
What does this mean for students in GISD?
With your support at home, GISD will comply with this new law to minimize distractions and help students stay focused during instructional time, while also promoting positive mental health. When your child returns to school on Monday, August 11th, use of personal communication devices will be prohibited during the school day on all GISD campuses. This means that students will either need to leave all their communication devices at home or keep them securely stored in their backpacks, powered off, during the school day.
With this change, it is important for parents and students to note the following:
- Violation of this new law, or related district policy and regulations, shall be subject to device confiscation and consequences according to the GISD Student Code of Conduct.
- If a confiscated device is not picked up within 90 days after it is made available, Garland ISD is authorized to dispose of the device in accordance with state law, after providing the required written notice.
- As with prior years, students are responsible for their own personal property. Any device brought to school is done so at the student’s own risk. Garland ISD is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones/devices.
Please take a moment in the coming days to talk with your child about this important new law. We understand that this change may be challenging for many students, but the law was designed with their best interests in mind to help them stay focused, reduce distractions, and support their overall well-being.
As a district, we are committed to complying with the law while fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive. To do this successfully, we need your partnership. Your encouragement at home plays a vital role in helping students build healthy habits around device use.
Encourage your child to “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT”, with learning, with peers, and with the present moment. As always, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another school year that is truly UNMATCHED.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Expand AllWhat is HB 1481?
House Bill 1481 is a new Texas law that requires school districts to prohibit the use of personal communication devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, and similar technology, during the school day. Garland ISD’s policy aligns with this law to promote a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
What counts as the “school day”?
The school day begins when students enter the campus building and ends when students leave the building for the day. During the time when students are on campus, all personal devices must be powered off, stored out of sight (e.g., in backpacks), and not used under any circumstances unless an exception applies.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Use of personal communication devices may be permitted under the following circumstances:
- Required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan
- Directed by a licensed physician
- Necessary for verified health or safety reasons
Can students use devices during lunch, passing periods, or restroom breaks?
No. The law applies to the entire school day, including lunch, passing periods, and restroom breaks. Devices must remain powered off and securely stored at all times while on campus during the school day.
Can students use their devices during after-school activities or extracurricular events?
Yes. Students may use their devices once the school day has ended, including for extracurricular activities, transportation arrangements, or other after-school purposes.
Can students use their devices during a school field trip?
Students are not permitted to use personal devices during the school day. Devices must be powered off and out of sight.
How can I contact my child during school hours?
If you need to reach your child during the school day, please call the school’s front office. We will ensure your message is delivered promptly. In urgent situations, we will make every effort to notify your child as quickly as possible. To help minimize disruptions, we kindly ask that you communicate any appointments or changes in plans with your child before the school day begins. If an emergency or unexpected situation arises, the front office will coordinate with your child directly.
What if my child needs to call about forgotten items or appointments?
Students are not permitted to use personal devices during the school day. If they need to contact you about a forgotten item or appointment, they may request to use the phone in the front office. To help reduce the need for mid-day communication, we encourage families to review schedules and appointment plans before the start of the school day.
What happens in an emergency?
The safety of our students is our top priority. In an emergency, the district uses official communication systems to notify parents and contact emergency services. To maintain order and ensure everyone's safety, it’s critical that all students and staff follow established emergency protocols. Students may use their personal devices only when a staff member or first responder confirms it is safe to do so. If a student uses a device to call for help during a genuine emergency, staff will evaluate the situation with understanding and compassion
Who is responsible for lost or damaged devices?
The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including those confiscated due to policy violations. Each campus will have a process and designated area for storing devices if needed; however, we strongly encourage families to have students keep their devices at home or ensure they are turned off and securely stored in backpacks. This helps students follow the law and minimizes the risk of devices being lost, damaged, or confiscated.
Can students take phones to the restroom “just in case”?
No. To ensure full compliance with the law and protect student privacy, phones must be stored and powered off for the entire school day, including during restroom breaks.
What if my child uses their phone to manage anxiety?
We understand that some students may feel a sense of comfort or connection through their devices. However, research shows that excessive phone and social media use can actually contribute to increased anxiety, reduced attention spans, and disrupted sleep patterns in youth. The new law prohibits personal device use during the school day to help students stay focused and engaged in learning. Our goal is to create a safe, structured environment that supports student well-being, and we are committed to helping students manage anxiety through healthy, research-based strategies.
What happens if my student forgets their device is in their pocket?
If the device remains off and out of sight, there is no issue. However, if the device becomes visible, makes noise, or is accessed in any way, it will be treated as a violation of the policy and the device will be confiscated.
What happens if a phone rings or vibrates in a backpack during class?
Even if unintentional, any disruption caused by a device, such as ringing or vibrating, may result in the device being confiscated and treated as a policy violation. To prevent disruptions, all personal devices should be completely powered off, silenced, and stored out of sight for the entire school day. Students are expected to arrive at school with their devices turned off and secured in their backpacks.
Can students still bring a personal laptop or iPad instead of a district-issued Chromebook?
No. Under the new law, only district-issued devices are permitted for use during the school day. Students may not bring personal laptops, iPads, or other devices to use in class. Garland ISD Chromebooks are equipped with everything students need to access their instructional materials and be successful in their learning.
Why is the state requiring schools to implement this cell phone policy? Is there research or evidence showing why it is necessary?
Yes. Research, including studies from Educational Psychology and the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that reducing phone use during the school day can improve test scores, decrease incidents of cyberbullying, and support healthy brain development. Garland ISD is committed to supporting your child’s academic success and well-being. Below, we’ve included key research findings on cell phone use and the benefits of limiting personal device usage during school hours: