Personal Device Use

Texas House Bill 1481 requires school districts to adopt a policy prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day and to establish disciplinary measures for violations.

Beginning August 13, 2025, Frisco ISD students will not be permitted to use personal communication devices from bell to bell during the school day, including passing periods and lunches.

This non-exhaustive list includes cellphones, smartphones, flip phones, tablets, smartwatches, personal laptops, radio devices and anything that can transmit messages such as earbuds, Bluetooth headphones, Meta glasses and paging devices.

The only communication devices allowed for students to use during the school day are District-provided devices.

• Learn how to participate in the 1 for All program that provides each secondary student a Chromebook for school and home.

Students are encouraged to leave personal communication devices at home.

• If a student brings a personal communication device to school, it must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack from the bell that begins the school day to the dismissal bell.

• If a personal communication device is visible, used and/or sounds/vibrates during the instructional day, then the device will be confiscated.

Parents will still be able to reach their children, but it will look different since students cannot receive texts or calls during the school day.

• For critical messages, parents can call the office and the campus will deliver the message.

• If students have their school device open, they can send/receive emails. However, email communication should not distract students from their learning.

• Please make sure guardian contact information is up to date with FISD since students will not be able to look up phone numbers midday on their phone.

• We encourage families to communicate planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.

Consequences

The consequences will be included in the Student Code of Conduct upon Board approval.

Questions

Can my child use an MP3 player that does not have data or communication ability?

Students must obtain prior approval to use personal electronic devices allowed by law for instructional purposes while on campus.

Do Chromebooks have headphone jacks?

Yes, District-provided Chromebooks do have headphone jacks. Participate in the 1:1 program that provides each secondary student a Chromebook to take home.

Can my student use Bluetooth headphones that also can be plugged in with a wire into a headphone jack or does that violate the new law?

No. Bluetooth headphones would violate House Bill 1481 because a student can use them to communicate. The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning.

Students and parents frequently receive communication throughout the day from Athletics and Fine Arts. Will this practice be updated?

Yes, Frisco ISD is currently evaluating practices to ensure compliance with House Bill 1481.

What about on buses?

Before and after school, students can use their devices. House Bill 1481 does not permit use during the school day including any busing that happens midday between campuses or events.

What about lunch and passing periods?

House Bill 1481 does not permit use during the school day, including lunch and passing periods.

What happens to my child’s personal communication device during confiscation?

FISD recommends students leave devices at home. If a student brings a device to school, it must be properly stored during the day. By sending the device with your child, you assume liability for loss, damage or theft of that digital device. Devices confiscated for rule violations will be securely stored and returned according to the Student Code of Conduct.

What if there’s a school emergency?

Parents will also be notified through our emergency notification system which can include text, phone and calls. In accordance with established protocols and when it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their personal communication devices to contact families.

Will this law apply to before and after-school activities?

No. The law only applies during the school day.

Why is the district not using pouches such as Yondr?

Frisco ISD has explored this option and will continue to explore this option with the implementation of House Bill 1481.

Can students still use a personal laptop instead of a District-issued Chromebook?

No. Under House Bill 1481, students may no longer use personal laptops, tablets or other devices during the school day. Participate in the 1:1 program that provides each secondary student a Chromebook to take home.

Can my student take their phone with them to the restroom “just in case”?

No. House Bill 1481 does not allow for devices to leave storage at any point of the school day.

What if my student walks home and needs their device for safety?

Students may access and use their personal communication devices after the final bell. House Bill 1481 applies only during the school day.

What happens if my student has it in their backpack?

If the device remains off and unseen, there is no issue. However, if it becomes visible, makes noise or is accessed in any way, it is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

What happens if it rings or vibrates from within the backpack during school?

The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning. If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation of House Bill 1481. Devices should be completely powered off and silenced during the school day.

What if my student forgets something at home or has an appointment?

House Bill 1481 does not make allowances for students to contact parents with their personal communication device during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. If a student needs to make a call, they can use the front office phone.

Can my student use their device as part of a lesson such as to take pictures or video?

No. House Bill 1481 does not make allowances for students’ personal devices to be used for recording, video or photo purposes during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media.

What if my student has anxiety and checking their phone helps them calm down?

We understand that some students use their phones as a coping mechanism, but under House Bill 1481, personal device use is not permitted during the school day. If your child is experiencing anxiety that affects their ability to focus or stay regulated at school, please reach out to the campus counselor. We have support systems in place to help students manage these challenges without relying on personal devices.

What if my student has an early release?

Once a student’s school day has concluded, they may use their personal devices.

Can my child use it in the nurse’s office?

No, there is a phone they can use in the office to make calls.

Can my student use their phone if they’re stuck somewhere or have an emergency and can’t reach staff?

Yes. In a genuine emergency, students should use their best judgment to stay safe. If a phone is used to get help when staff aren’t available, FISD will handle it with understanding and evaluate the circumstances. We appreciate your support in limiting device use to real emergencies only, as required by House Bill 1481.