San Antonio, Texas, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Independent School District has approved a cellphone ban effective September 1, prohibiting devices during the entire school day. Only students with disabilities will be exempt. This decision aims to reduce classroom distractions and enhance the learning environment, aligning with new Texas education laws allowing districts to enforce such policies. The ban comes in response to concerns over student engagement, while maintaining access to anonymous reporting systems for safety.
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has implemented a comprehensive cellphone ban across all schools, effective from September 1, 2025. The new policy, which received unanimous approval from the SAISD board on August 18, 2025, prohibits students from using any communication devices throughout the entire school day, including during lunch breaks and while in hallways.
Under the new guidelines, students must ensure that their devices are out of sight and set to silent mode, beginning with the first bell and continuing until the last bell of the school day. Only exceptions will be made for students with disabilities that necessitate cellphone use for medical reasons or safety concerns.
SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino emphasized the district’s commitment to complying with the new law while integrating restorative practices into the educational environment. The chief aim of the cellphone ban is to minimize distractions in classrooms, a sentiment echoed by various stakeholders within the educational community.
During the 2024-2025 school year, SAISD’s anonymous reporting system, known as P3, received more than 880 tips, which resulted in 28 arrests and citations. This highlights the critical need for access to these reporting systems, which will still be available through personal and district-provided devices despite the ban. The district has made it clear that while students will not have access to their personal phones, reporting channels will remain adequately accessible to ensure student safety.
This policy comes in light of recent changes in Texas education law, which now gives school districts greater flexibility in establishing cellphone use policies. Several other districts have already begun adapting their rules in accordance with state regulations. For instance, North East Independent School District (NEISD) approved a policy permitting limited device use during non-classroom periods such as lunch and passing time, while Northside Independent School District (NISD) allows students to bring cellphones, as long as they are powered off and kept in backpacks during class hours.
Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a law mandating that all public and charter schools within Texas prohibit personal communication devices during instructional hours. The decision reflects a broader commitment among educational leaders to foster improved learning environments. Many districts are currently reviewing their policies in response to the new state mandate, with various board meetings planned in the coming weeks to finalize adjustments by the implementation deadline.
As SAISD prepares for this significant policy change, it aims to establish a focused and distraction-free atmosphere for its students. The enforcement of this ban is part of a larger strategy to enhance academic performance and ensure that all students are engaged and attentive during their educational experiences.
Key Features of the Cellphone Ban Policy
- Effective Date: September 1, 2025
- Scope: Prohibits usage during the entire school day
- Exceptions: Students with disabilities needing cellphone access
- Reporting Accessibility: P3 system remains available for reporting issues
- State Mandate: Aligns with new Texas law on cellphone use in schools
- Goals: Minimize distractions and enhance learning environments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cellphone ban policy of SAISD?
The cellphone ban prohibits the use of all communication devices during the entire school day, including lunch and hallways.
When will the cellphone ban take effect?
The enforcement of the ban will start on September 1, 2025.
Are there any exceptions to the policy?
Yes, exceptions will be made for students with disabilities that require cellphone use for medical reasons or safety concerns.
How will the district ensure student safety under this ban?
Students will still have access to the P3 anonymous reporting system through district devices to report issues, despite the cellphone ban.
How are other school districts responding to the new law?
Other districts, such as North East ISD and Northside ISD, are adapting their cellphone policies to comply with the new state mandate, allowing for varying degrees of device usage during non-class hours.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT: San Antonio ISD Discusses Cellphone Ban
- Community Impact: Boerne ISD Cellphone Ban
- KTSA: San Antonio ISD Cellphone Ban Approved
- News 4 San Antonio: NEISD Cellphone Ban Finalized
- KENS 5: San Antonio Districts New Cellphone Law
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.
