School districts must include disciplinary measures in their policies and staff can confiscate students’ devices.
Starting this school year, students at all Houston ISD campuses will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones during the school day due to a new state law.
HISD announced its new cell phone policy Thursday and said it would allow for a more distraction-free learning environment. According to the district, the policy prohibits the use of all “personal communication devices.” This includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, headphones, earbuds, and any other electronic device that can be used for communication.
“Students may not use their device for any reason during the instructional day,” HISD Chief of Schools Sandi Massey said in a video announcing the new policy. “That means no calls, texts, photos, video recording, social media or internet access. Devices should not be visible or audible from the time a student arrives on campus until the last period of the day is over. This includes lunch and passing periods.”…