To be in line with House Bill 1481’s prohibition of personal electronic devices during school day, North East ISD now requires all students to turn off and store their cellphones and other electronic devices, such as smartwatches and tablets, in class time beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

The overview

According to district documents, the Texas Education Agency sent additional instructions informing districts that they could define what a “school day” means. Using these guidelines, NEISD defined the “school day” as instructional class time and only requires students to turn off and store their personal devices in class. Students will be allowed to use phones during nonclassroom time, such as passing periods and lunch as well as before and after school.

However, according to district documents, this policy is a minimum standard, and individual NEISD schools may implement more restrictive policies. The district will enforce this rule, and consequences may include the confiscation of the device. Policies will be outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

The background


House Bill 1481 was passed during 89th Texas legislative session and took effect June 20. To assist with implementation, the TEA provided a guidance document, which districts used to craft their policy.

Policy requirements for school systems:
  • The policy must prohibit student use of personal communication devices as defined in Texas Education Code, which includes cellphones, tablets, smartwatches and other devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication on school property during the school day. This does not include any electronic devices provided by the district or charter school.
  • School systems may comply with the requirement by either prohibiting students from bringing devices to campus or designate a method to securely store the devices during the school day.
  • The district’s policy must include disciplinary measures for violations.
  • The policy must make exceptions for student use of personal communication devices when they are required to implement an individualized education program, a Section 504 plan, or similar plan; if the device is authorized by a directive from a qualified physician due to documented medical need; or if the device is necessary to comply with a legal, health or safety requirement, or to implement the school system’s safety protocols.
  • The policy must be adopted as soon as practicable but no later than Sept. 18, 2025.