Texas Schools’ Coastal Bend Cell Phone Ban

Coastal Bend Schools Navigate New Cell Phone Restrictions

A new Texas law aimed at curbing student cell phone use during the school day is prompting Coastal Bend schools to re-evaluate and revise their existing policies. As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, districts are exploring various strategies to comply with the legislation, ranging from complete bans to innovative storage solutions.

Corpus Christi ISD: Awaiting Specifics

The Corpus Christi Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees has already taken action, voting to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using personal devices during the school day. While the policy has been approved, the district has yet to release specific details regarding its implementation, including potential consequences for students who violate the new rules.

The state law provides two options for school districts: either prohibit students from bringing personal devices onto school property altogether, or designate a method for storing these devices during the school day. Corpus Christi ISD has chosen the latter, stipulating that students must store personal communication devices “in accordance with administrative regulations.”

The exact nature of these regulations remains unclear. An update to the Student Code of Conduct is expected to be approved at an upcoming meeting, offering more detailed guidelines before the school year commences. Preliminary indications suggest that the storage method may involve simply requiring students to power down their devices and keep them stored in their backpacks.

This represents a slightly stricter approach compared to previous years. Last year, elementary and middle school students were required to keep devices off and stored away throughout the entire school day. High school students, however, were permitted to use their devices during lunch and between classes. Now, the expectation is that students’ cell phones should not be visible or audible at any point during the school day, including lunch breaks and passing periods.

Gregory-Portland ISD: The Pouch Solution

Gregory-Portland ISD is implementing a unique approach by introducing specialized pouches designed to securely store devices during the school day. Middle and high school students will be issued a “CellockED” pouch, while elementary schools will utilize pouches as needed.

Each morning, students will be required to place their devices inside the sealed pouch. The pouches will remain locked until the end of the school day, when students can unlock them at designated unlocking stations. Students who need to leave school early can unlock their pouches at the front office.

The pouches are opened using magnets, a technology similar to the security tags found in retail stores. Magnets will also be strategically placed throughout the school campus to allow students to access their devices in emergency situations. Furthermore, each classroom will be equipped with a phone capable of dialing 911.

Parents who need to communicate with their children during the school day are encouraged to contact the front office. The district has created a video explaining the new policy, available on the district website.

Flour Bluff ISD: Policy Under Review

Flour Bluff ISD is still in the process of evaluating the new legislation and formulating updated guidelines. The district plans to share these guidelines with the community before the start of the school year.

Superintendent Chris Steinbruck assured families that many of the bill’s guidelines are already reflected in current district practices. However, the district is taking this opportunity to assess and refine campus-level procedures to ensure consistency and full compliance across all grade levels.

Tuloso-Midway ISD: Recommendations Pending

Tuloso-Midway ISD has already commenced the 2025-26 school year but has not yet implemented changes in response to the new law. Superintendent Steve VanMatre stated that the district began the year under the 2024-25 policy and is currently seeking guidance on the new regulations. Staff will present a recommendation to the school board at an upcoming meeting.

Student Concerns and State Mandates

The new legislation has faced some opposition, with a student-led petition expressing concerns about the impact on digital socialization and emergency communication. However, Texas public schools are legally obligated to adhere to state law.

Understanding House Bill 1481

House Bill 1481, which governs student use of personal communication devices, was approved by the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate before being signed into law.

The law defines personal communication devices broadly, encompassing phones (including smartphones and flip phones), tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, and any electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.

The law specifically excludes school-issued electronic devices, such as the Chromebooks used by Corpus Christi ISD students.

The core provision of the law prohibits students from using personal communication devices on school property during the school day.

Exceptions are made for students with disabilities who require a device to implement their individualized education program (IEP), students with documented medical needs, or when necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement. The law does not apply to adult education programs.

Addressing Mental Health and Educational Environment

The impetus behind this legislation stems from growing concerns about the impact of smartphones on children’s mental health and the need to maintain a productive learning environment in schools. Parents and educators have increasingly voiced concerns about the potential distractions and negative consequences associated with unrestricted cell phone use during school hours. The new law represents an effort to address these concerns and create a more focused and conducive learning environment for all students.