San Antonio, Texas, August 15, 2025
News Summary
The Texas legislature has passed House Bill 1481, which bans the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets in public and charter schools during the school day. Effective September 1, 2025, schools must either prevent these devices from being brought on campus or implement secure storage. Disciplinary measures for violations are required, though students can use devices outside class times. Local districts are preparing to comply with the new law, aiming to reduce distractions and improve student engagement.
San Antonio, Texas – A new law, House Bill 1481, has been passed by the Texas legislature which will ban the use of cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other digital communication devices during the school day in public and charter schools statewide, starting September 1, 2025. Under this legislation, schools must either prevent students from bringing these devices to campus or implement a secure storage system to keep them out of sight during instructional time.
The bill mandates that schools must create disciplinary measures for any violations of this ban. This might include confiscation of devices for students who do not comply with the new rules. Students will still be permitted to use their phones during non-classroom times, such as passing periods, lunch breaks, or before and after school.
School District Compliance
Several local school districts, including the North East Independent School District (NEISD) and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), have outlined their policies to align with the new mandate. NEISD specifies that all personal electronic devices must be turned off and kept out of sight while classes are in session. Initial infractions can lead to verbal warnings, while repeated violations may result in parent notifications, detention, or in-school suspension as detailed in the district’s Student Code of Conduct.
SAISD requires that personal communication devices be stored securely in student’s backpacks during school hours. A documented verbal warning is issued for first-time infractions, with device confiscation as a consequence for recurring offenses requiring a parent to pick up the device from the school.
Exceptions and Enforcement
Both NEISD and SAISD provide exceptions for students who have documented medical needs or disabilities that justify the use of personal devices. Schools are also required to have specific written policies regarding device usage submitted by September 18, 2025, ensuring that teachers and students are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities concerning electronic devices.
Broader Implications
Many districts across North Texas are already preparing to adopt similar “out of sight” policies, which mandate that phones be powered off and stored securely during school hours. The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD) has reported positive outcomes after implementing a similar policy, indicating a noticeable reduction in classroom distractions and an increase in student engagement.
Furthermore, some districts have begun adopting devices such as lock pouches, designed to allow students to store their phones securely during the school day. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their children via the school office rather than through personal devices during school hours.
Overall, educators across Texas hold high hopes that reducing screen time through this ban will foster increased face-to-face interactions and create a more productive learning environment in classrooms statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is House Bill 1481?
House Bill 1481 is a Texas law that will ban the use of cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other digital devices during school hours in public and charter schools, effective September 1, 2025.
What are the consequences for not following the cellphone ban?
Consequences for violating the cellphone ban may include verbal warnings, parent notifications, detention, or in-school suspension, depending on the district’s policies and the frequency of violations.
Can students still use their phones during school?
Yes, students may use their phones during non-classroom times such as passing periods, lunch breaks, or before and after school.
Are there exceptions to the ban?
Yes, students with documented medical needs or disabilities may be granted exceptions concerning device usage.
How are schools preparing for the ban?
Schools are required to develop written policies regarding device usage, implement secure storage systems, and establish disciplinary measures before the law takes effect.
Key Features of House Bill 1481
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Devices banned | Cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and digital communication devices. |
| Effective date | September 1, 2025. |
| School responsibilities | Prevent students from bringing devices or implement a secure storage system. |
| Disciplinary measures | Verbal warnings, parent notifications, detention, device confiscation. |
| Device usage policy deadline | September 18, 2025. |
| Exceptions allowed | For students with documented medical needs or disabilities. |
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Additional Resources
- Click2Houston: New Texas Education Laws
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Cellphone Ban
- El Paso Times: New Laws for Texas Schools
- NBC DFW: Texas Law Bans Devices in Schools
- Fox 4 News: Texas Cell Phone Bans
- Wikipedia: School Enforcement of Cell Phone Bans
- Google Search: Cell Phone Ban in Schools
- Google Scholar: Texas Cell Phone Ban in Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cell Phone Use in Schools
- Google News: Texas Education Laws 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
