📱 HB 1481: New Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy at Dawson ISD 📱
Effective August 7, 2025
To support a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, Dawson ISD will implement new policies in accordance with Texas House Bill 1481.
CELL PHONE POLICY EFFECTIVE FOR 2025 - 2026 SCHOOL YEAR
In accordance with Texas House Bill 1481, Dawson Independent School District (DISD) is implementing the following policy regarding the use of personal communication devices by students during the school day. This policy aims to support a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for all students.
Policy Overview
Effective immediately, students are prohibited from using personal communication devices during the school day while on school property. This includes, but is not limited to:
* Cell phones
* Smartwatches
* Tablets
* Headphones
* Earbuds
These devices are known to cause distractions during instructional time and their restricted use is part of our continued commitment to student success and academic achievement.
Daily Device Procedure for Dawson Jr./Sr. High School
At the start of each school day, students are required to:
* Silence their cell phones (devices must not make noise or vibrate).
* Secure their phone in a school-provided storage device that meets the guidelines outlined in HB 1481.
This process ensures that while students will not have access to their devices during the school day, phones will remain powered on so that parents can continue to track their child’s location, if necessary.
Daily Device Procedure for Dawson Elementary School
* Students in Pre‑K through 6th grade have three storage options:
* Backpack (silenced, powered off or in airplane mode)
* Personal locker (silenced, powered off or in airplane mode)
* Use of any personal device on campus during school hours is prohibited, regardless of storage choice
Communication During the School Day
DISD encourages students and parents to adjust to new communication expectations. If communication is needed during the school day:
* Parents may contact the front office of their child’s school.
* Students may request to use school phones to contact parents if needed.
We appreciate your support in making this transition smooth and effective.
Exceptions
Exceptions to this policy will be granted for students with:
* Documented medical conditions
* Documented safety needs
* Special education accommodations as outlined in an IEP or 504 plan
Documentation must be submitted to campus administration for approval.
Loss of Storage Device, Policy Violations and Disciplinary Action
Students who lose the phone storage device provided by the district will pay a $20 replacement fee, and will be provided with another storage device. Students who fail to comply with the HB 1481 policy will be subject to fair and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the DISD Student Code of Conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:
* Verbal warnings
* Confiscation of device
* Parent notification and/or conferences
* Monetary fines
* Other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate
Commitment to Student Success
Dawson ISD is committed to partnering with families to foster an environment where all students can thrive. By limiting distractions caused by personal communication devices, we are better able to promote focus, engagement, and academic achievement.
We thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping every Dawson ISD student reach their full potential.
FAQ
Q: What devices does HB 1481 apply to?
A: The law includes a range of devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and any other device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.
Q: Are they allowed to use them on the AM and PM bus routes?
A: Yes. Students may use their phones on the AM and PM bus routes. Texas HB 1481 states that students may not use their devices while on school property, during the school day (7:35 am - 3:45 pm).
Q: Can they leave their device in their locker?
A: Once their device is silenced and properly secured in the case provided by the district, students can choose to keep their phone on their person, in their backpack, or in their locker.
Q: What if my child has an extracurricular activity such as an athletics, band, or FFA event or a field trip?
A: All devices must remain secured in accordance with HB 1481 as long as the student is on campus and within school hours (7:35 am - 3:45 pm). Students may have access to their phones while off campus at an extracurricular activity or field trip.
Q: Can students have access to their phones if they stay after school for tutoring, practices, or games?
A: Yes. Students will gain full access to their devices at the 3:45 pm dismissal bell.
Q: What if my child has to leave school during the school day for an appointment or due to sickness?
A: District personnel will provide the student with the opportunity to unlock their case and gain full access to their phone in the event that the student is leaving campus during the school day.
Q: What if I don’t want my child to put their phone in the case provided by the district?
A: Students and parents who do not want to secure their phone in the case provided by the district will have the option to leave their phone at home during school hours. If the phone is on campus, it will be secured to meet compliance requirements of HB 1481.
Q: Will students have access to their phones during non-instructional times such as breakfast and lunch?
A: In accordance with HB 1481, students are prohibited from using personal communication devices during the school day, including instructional and non-instructional periods.
Q: Can devices be confiscated and disposed of?
A: The law allows for confiscation and disposal of student-owned devices after a 90 day written notice to parents.
Q: Will this affect students who need their phone based on a diagnosed and documented disability or medical condition?
A: Exceptions to this policy will be granted for students with documented medical conditions, safety needs, or special education accommodations as outlined in an IEP or 504 plan.
Q: What will be the penalty for an unsecured phone that is confiscated?
A: Students who fail to comply with this policy will be subject to fair and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the DISD Student Code of Conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to: confiscation of device, parent notification and/or conferences, monetary fine, other disciplinary measures as deemed fair and appropriate.
Q: Will they be allowed to use them in the event of an emergency?
A: In the event of an emergency, Dawson ISD will make every effort to give students access to their devices once we ensure the safety of all students.
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