East Texas School Cell Phone Ban: District-by-District Breakdown

Across Texas, public schools are preparing to implement new policies restricting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices following the passage of House Bill 1481. This legislation, passed by the Texas House and Senate, mandates stricter regulations on student access to personal communication devices during the school day. As the new school year approaches, districts are outlining their specific approaches to enforcing this ban. Here’s a breakdown of how some East Texas school districts are addressing the change:

Apple Springs ISD

Effective August 5th, Apple Springs ISD prohibits students from possessing cell phones or other electronic devices on school property during regular school hours. According to district guidelines, any cell phone confiscated by staff will only be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian, not directly to the student.

Arp ISD

Arp ISD’s cell phone policy restricts the use of “personal communication devices” during school hours. This encompasses a wide range of electronics, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, pagers, and similar gadgets.

Avinger ISD

Avinger ISD requires students to obtain explicit permission to have “personal telecommunications devices” – including laptops, tablets, and other portable computers – on campus. Unauthorized use will result in confiscation and handover of the device to the principal’s office.

Broaddus ISD

Broaddus ISD’s “No Cell Phones and Electronics Policy” went into effect on August 13th. Specific rules and guidelines are available on the district website.

Brownsboro ISD

Brownsboro ISD is currently reviewing its existing cell phone policies to ensure compliance with House Bill 1481. Detailed information about the updated policy will be released before the 2025-2026 school year.

Bullard ISD

Bullard ISD has yet to publicly release its specific cell phone policy.

Canton ISD

Canton ISD will implement its new cell phone policy for all campuses and grade levels for the 2025-2026 school year. During the “instructional day,” electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets, must be turned off and stored in backpacks or other designated areas.

Center ISD

Center ISD prohibits the use of “personal communication devices” – including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, paging devices, headphones, earbuds, and alternative devices – during the instructional day, defined as the period between the first and last bell.

Como-Pickton CISD

Como-Pickton CISD is actively reviewing and updating its campus policies to align with the requirements of House Bill 1481. The district plans to share comprehensive details with families as the school year approaches.

Diboll ISD

Diboll ISD has announced its “No Cell From Bell-to-Bell” cell phone policy, which will be enforced for the 2025-2026 school year. Detailed information can be found on the district website.

Grapeland ISD

Grapeland ISD has published its personal electronic communication policy for the 2025-2026 school year. Further details can be found on the district’s Facebook page.

Henderson ISD

Henderson ISD acknowledges the requirement to develop new policies that comply with House Bill 1481. The district encourages families to discuss the new law with their students. Specific policies are yet to be released to the public.

Longview ISD

Longview ISD has revealed its cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year, outlining the guidelines adopted to comply with House Bill 1481.

Lufkin ISD

Lufkin ISD has announced the specifics of its cell phone policy, which will be enforced for the 2025-2026 school year.

Mabank ISD

Mabank ISD has published its cell phone/electronic devices policy guidelines on the district website.

Malakoff ISD

Malakoff ISD has updated its cell phone policy, which will take effect on the first day of school, August 13th.

Nacogdoches ISD

Nacogdoches ISD has released the details of its cell phone policy for on-campus use.

New Diana ISD

New Diana ISD has posted its cell phone policy, including the consequences for violations.

New Summerfield ISD

New Summerfield ISD has released its cell phone and “personal communication device” policy for the new school year. This includes regulations for devices such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, and pagers.

Overton ISD

Overton ISD has announced its “Phone Free in Overton ISD” cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year. Full details are available on the district website.

Quitman ISD

Quitman ISD has outlined its complete cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year.

San Augustine ISD

San Augustine ISD Interim Superintendent Marc Griffin has released a letter outlining some of the district’s cell phone ban policies for the 2025-2026 school year.

Slocum ISD

Slocum ISD has released details of its cell phone ban policy.

Tyler ISD

Tyler ISD has defined the rules of its “Phone Free in Tyler ISD” cell phone policy, which will be enforced during the 2025-2026 school year.

Union Hill ISD

Union Hill ISD is currently reviewing its cell phone policy and making necessary changes to comply with House Bill 1481. A community meeting was held on July 31st to provide more information regarding the new policy.

Van ISD

Van ISD is currently reviewing its cell phone policies. More details will be shared closer to the start of the school year.

Winnsboro ISD

Winnsboro ISD has updated its 2025-2026 cell phone policy in accordance with House Bill 1481.

This information provides a snapshot of how various East Texas school districts are responding to the new state law. As districts continue to finalize and release their policies, parents and students should stay informed about the specific rules and regulations in place at their schools.