Download & Print
July 21, 2025
Texas bill bans students from using cell phones, wireless devices during school hours
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Effective immediately, all Texas public school districts are required to implement a policy that prohibits the use of personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. Texas House Bill 1481, which amends Section 37.082 of the Education Code, was filed Dec. 2, 2024 and signed into law by the governor June 20.
The Bandera ISD No Cell Phone Policy, beginning the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 4, states, “all cell phones, smart watches, tablets, headphones and earbuds are prohibited during the entire school day- including lunch and passing periods; devices must be stored in backpacks, lockers or locked pouches; no exceptions for instructional use,” unless approved for medical and special education needs.
Disciplinary actions include:
“1st Offense- Device confiscated, picked up by student after school;
2nd Offense- Device confiscated, lunch detention assigned, parent notified, picked up by student after school;
3rd Offense- Device confiscated, one-day after-school detention assigned, parent notified, parent must pick up device after school;
4th Offense- Device confiscated, one-day ISS assigned, parent notified, in-person parent conference required, parent must pick up device after school;
5th Offense- Device confiscated, automatic DAEP five-day placement, parent conference, parent must pick up device after school;
Continued offenses- Automatic 30-day DAEP placement.”
Medina ISD is expected to implement a similar policy before its first day of school, which is Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Also effective for the 2025-26 Bandera ISD school year, no vaping is allowed within 300 feet of district property. Any student posessing a vape or e-cigarette during a school-related activitiy will be automatically placed in DAEP.
The Bandera ISD No Cell Phone Policy, beginning the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 4, states, “all cell phones, smart watches, tablets, headphones and earbuds are prohibited during the entire school day- including lunch and passing periods; devices must be stored in backpacks, lockers or locked pouches; no exceptions for instructional use,” unless approved for medical and special education needs.
Disciplinary actions include:
“1st Offense- Device confiscated, picked up by student after school;
2nd Offense- Device confiscated, lunch detention assigned, parent notified, picked up by student after school;
3rd Offense- Device confiscated, one-day after-school detention assigned, parent notified, parent must pick up device after school;
4th Offense- Device confiscated, one-day ISS assigned, parent notified, in-person parent conference required, parent must pick up device after school;
5th Offense- Device confiscated, automatic DAEP five-day placement, parent conference, parent must pick up device after school;
Continued offenses- Automatic 30-day DAEP placement.”
Medina ISD is expected to implement a similar policy before its first day of school, which is Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Also effective for the 2025-26 Bandera ISD school year, no vaping is allowed within 300 feet of district property. Any student posessing a vape or e-cigarette during a school-related activitiy will be automatically placed in DAEP.