Personal Communication Devices

House Bill 1481, recently signed into law, prohibits K-12 students in Texas public schools from using personal communication devices during the instructional day. As a result, Carroll ISD is updating its policy to comply with this legislation and ensure consistent enforcement across all campuses.

This policy does not interfere with District BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Students in grades 5-12 are permitted to bring their own District-allowed laptops, Chromebooks, or Macbooks for instructional purposes only. The use of these devices will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher and campus principal.

Personal communication devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, bluetooth-enabled earbuds and headphones, tablets, and other electronic devices capable of communicating through voice, text, or internet-based messaging.

Devices may not be used from the first instructional bell until the last bell for dismissal, including during class, lunch, and passing periods.

Yes, students may bring personal communication devices to school. However, all devices must be powered off and stored out of sight (in a backpack, purse, or locker) during the instructional day, including on school buses.

No. District policy prohibits the use of personal communication devices on school buses - before, during, or after school transportation.

Parents can email their child at their District email address, or they may contact the school’s front office by phone. Staff will ensure urgent messages are delivered promptly.

Students should notify a teacher or campus administrator, who will assist them in contacting a parent or guardian. Students can also email parents from their District email address. If there is a campus or student emergency, the District will notify parents as per usual District policy.

Yes. Exceptions may be made for students who require access to a personal device for documented medical reasons, such as diabetes monitoring. Parents should contact campus administration to arrange accommodations. Accommodations should be documented in the student's 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Yes, as per District discipline policy, devices will be confiscated if used during instructional hours. Repeated violations will lead to additional consequences. Please see below for a full outline of our discipline policy regarding personal communication devices.

While Carroll ISD did have some cell phone restrictions in place last year, HB 1481 makes these more stringent restrictions state law, requiring all districts to enforce a consistent policy prohibiting personal communication device use during the instructional day.

No. Personal devices cannot be used during the instructional day, even to complete schoolwork. If video or photos are needed for assignments, teachers will provide the tools to do so or assignments may be completed as homework.

Students may use their phone once the final bell rings to contact their parent if needed to arrange pickup.

Your student’s campus nurse will call you in the event of illness. If at any point, the nurse deems it necessary or appropriate for your child to have provisions to give you updates, those instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Thank you for your understanding as we implement this new law while taking student wellbeing into consideration.

Please see below for our personal communication device policy consequences.