Student Personal Communication Device Guidelines

The school day or instructional day encompasses the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods.
 

Please call the school office, and we will deliver your message. In case of an urgent situation, we will ensure your child receives the information as quickly as possible.
 

All campuses follow established emergency protocols. During a lockdown or evacuation, students are guided by trained staff. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families. Parents will also be notified through our emergency notification system.
 

No. Headphones, earbuds, etc., may only be worn with teacher approval as part of teacher-led instructional activities. These devices may be connected to the student’s district-issued device for instructional use.

House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of smartwatches; therefore, students may not wear smartwatches or use any kind of personal communication device during the school day. 

The law defines a “personal communication device” as a telephone; a cell phone, such as a smartphone or flip phone; a tablet; a smartwatch; a radio device; a paging device; or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.
 

No. Under the new law, students may no longer use personal laptops, tablets, or other devices during the school day. All instructional technology must be district-issued and monitored. HEB ISD provides each student with a Chromebook to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment. Students who previously opted out of the Chromebook program will now be required to use district-issued devices.

No. Personal messaging is not permitted during the school day, even on district-issued devices. If your child needs to get in touch with you, they should go through the front office or a staff member.

The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning. As a public school district, we are required to follow this law, and we ask for your support in helping us enforce it consistently.
 

No. Personal devices may not be used for recording, video, or photo purposes during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media.

We completely understand wanting to hear from your child when they aren’t feeling well. While students are generally not permitted to use personal devices during the school day, including in the nurse’s office, the nurse will contact you directly if your child needs to go home or if there are any health concerns.

If the nurse determines that it’s appropriate for your child to use their phone to update you, they may permit it. We appreciate your understanding as we work to follow the law while still supporting student well-being.
 

We understand that some students use their phones as a coping mechanism, but under state law, personal device use is not permitted during the school day. If your child is experiencing anxiety that affects their ability to focus or stay regulated at school, please reach out to the campus counselor. We have support systems in place to help students manage these challenges without relying on personal devices.

No. Phones must remain stored throughout the entire instructional day, including during restroom breaks. This is part of ensuring compliance with the law and protecting student privacy in restrooms.
 

Personal devices must be stored in backpacks, purses, bags or a designated storage area. A student will be asked to store their device appropriately.
 

If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices should be completely powered off and silenced during the school day.
 

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.

No. 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.

We encourage families to communicate any planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.
 

Students may access and use their phones after the final bell. The law applies only during the school day, so phones can be turned on once the day is over.
 

Yes. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use personal devices before arriving at school and after the final bell, including on the bus.
 

No. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use their devices after the final bell, including for extracurricular activities or transportation needs.
 

Yes. Once a student is off campus, they may use their personal devices. Phones must remain stored until they leave school grounds.