HB 1481 is a Texas law (effective June 20, 2025) requiring all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt a written policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices while on campus during the school day.

The law covers phones (smartphones or flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, or any electronic tool capable of telecommunication or digital communication.

This law aims to reduce classroom distractions, enhance student focus, protect mental health, and reduce cyberbullying on campus.

Parents/caregivers can contact the campus front office if needing to communicate a message to their child in the event of an emergency.

Discuss the policy and its reasons—focus, distraction relief, mental health.  Encourage responsible planning: pack all needed items before school.  For students with exceptions (medical/IEP), confirm accommodation with the school before the year starts.

The school day is defined as the time when the student arrives on campus to the last school bell.  This INCLUDES breakfast, lunch, transition periods.

Yes, they may use their personal communication device after the last school bell.

Yes, staff will receive training before the school year starts.

Updated Parent/Caregiver contact information is imperative as we push out communication via phones, text messages, emails, and the ParentSquare app.

One high school’s “bell‐to‐bell” phone ban led to students feeling less anxious and safer, particularly when distractions like social media were removed.
Education Week Article

Research shows that removing phones during the school day decreases distractions and increases engagement. In Texas and national case studies, educators report safer, more focused learning spaces after phone bans. Texas Tribune Article

Schools that implemented full bans saw a significant drop in bullying and social conflict. For example, a Dallas high school experienced a 75% reduction in bullying incidents after restricting phones. Senate Research Center

 Campus principals will be responsible for ensuring that all staff are fully trained on the updated administrative regulations and the adopted CSCISD board policy. TEA House Bill 1481 Guidance

For questions or concerns regarding implementation at a specific campus, please contact the campus principal directly.

CSCISD staff will model the “Away for the Day” expectations alongside students by limiting visible device use during instructional time. However, staff will retain access to their devices throughout the school day to ensure timely communication, safety response, and operational responsibilities.

After arriving on campus, personal devices must remain "Away for the Day" = off and out of sight from entry to campus to last bell.
This includes:

• Class Time
• Lunch Time
• Transition Time
• Hallways and passing periods