House Bill 1481 is a 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.

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.

HB 1481 prohibits student use of personal devices even if a teacher would normally allow them for class. Schools will provide district-approved technology when digital access is necessary. Students who require a cellular device through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or as granted by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may receive an exception. 

Yes. Students who require personal devices for medical monitoring (such as diabetes tracking) are exempt. This exemption must be supported by appropriate medical documentation and verified by campus health staff.

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. 

Yes. Students may use their devices once the school day has ended, including for extracurricular activities, transportation arrangements, or other after-school purposes. 

Students are not permitted to use personal devices during the school day.  Devices must be powered off and out of sight.  

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

No. Under the 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.

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:

• Facts on Cell Phone, Social Media, & Device Use
• Benefits of a Phone Free Policy
• The Case for Phone Free Schools
• My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened