El Paso-area school districts are adapting after a recently passed statewide bill prohibits the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other non-instructional communication devices during school hours in Texas.
The Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1481 on June 20, which impacts students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The new rule takes effect statewide at the start of the 2025–26 school year, beginning on Monday, Aug. 4.
In light of the new law, here’s what school districts in El Paso are doing about restricting cell phones — and other electronic devices — during school hours.
Ysleta ISD
Ysleta Independent School District rolled out its new “distraction-free” policy in mid-July, which allows students to bring devices to campus, but cell phones and electronics must be kept in backpacks or stored in a district-designated area in the classroom.
Students will not be allowed to use cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other devices capable of telecommunications or digital communication while on school grounds during school hours.
Other electronic devices include Meta AI Glasses, Air Pods and Apple Watches.
Ysleta ISD will permit students to use their cell phone or device if necessary for implementation of an individualized education plan, a 504 plan, or similar plan, or due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician.
Students in violation are subject to confiscation, and if not picked up, Ysleta ISD will dispose of it after providing notice.
El Paso ISD
El Paso Independent School District is still finalizing the details of its cell phone policy, according to EPISD’s website.
“According to the mandate, the Board of Trustees has until September 18 to adopt a policy that outlines the consequences for violating the cell phone ban,” according to the website. “We want to ensure that parents and families are aware of the upcoming changes well ahead of the September 18 deadline. Our goal is to provide clarity and consistency across campuses and help everyone prepare for a smooth transition as the law takes effect.”
Families will be updated as more guidance becomes available, the school district said.
Socorro ISD
Socorro Independent School District has not released a new cell phone or electronic device policy as of Wednesday, July 30. The district has also not yet responded to El Paso Times’ request for comment.
Canutillo ISD
Canutillo Independent School District will allow electronic devices on campus, but devices not intended for instruction must be turned off and put away in backpacks during class time, which was already current practice, the district said.
Students may use cell phones and devices during the event of a school-wide emergency, but not during instructional time for personal matters. The new policy does allow for exceptions, such as students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or those with documented medical needs.
Students who do not follow the policy may face disciplinary action, including confiscation of the device, which will have to be picked up by parents.
San Elizario ISD
San Elizario Independent School District released its new policy, which is allowing students to bring devices to school, but all personal electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, must be turned off before entering campus.
Devices must be stored in backpacks or lockers, and not on the student (like student’s pockets), and must remain powered off and completely out of view throughout the school day.
If any student has visible possession of any personal communication device during the school day, it will result in confiscation and disciplinary consequences.
Similar to other districts, exceptions are made for students with documented medical needs or special education accommodations.
Fabens ISD
Fabens Independent School District released updated guidance for cell phones on its social media platforms, including Facebook.
Students are expected to turn off and put away all person electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and ear buds during school hours.
Fabens ISD will permit students to use their cell phone or device if part of an individualized education plan, a 504 plan, or medical plan — all of which must be approved and documented.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Here’s how El Paso-area school districts are implementing Texas law banning cell phones
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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