Personal Communication Devices

The Texas Legislature recently passed House Bill 1481, requiring schools to put in place a policy prohibiting the use of personal communications devices on school property during the school day. In addition, there are demonstrated benefits to prohibiting device use during the school day:

• Increase engagement in class, leading to improved academic success
• Decreased classroom distractions
• Increased social interactions

• Cell phones
• Smartwatches
• Bluetooth devices, including wireless headphones
• Tablets
• Gaming systems
• Radios or paging devices
• Other devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication

The school day or instructional day encompasses the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods.

Please call the school office, and we will deliver your message. In case of an urgent situation, we will ensure your child receives the information as quickly as possible.

All campuses follow established emergency protocols. During a lockdown or evacuation, students are guided by trained staff. When it is safe to do so, students may be allowed to use their phones to contact families. Parents will also be notified through our emergency notification system.

No. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use their devices after the final bell, including for extracurricular activities or transportation needs.

Yes. The law only applies during the school day. Students may use personal devices before arriving at school and after the final bell, including on the bus.

Students may not wear smartwatches during the school day. If a student is found using a smartwatch to send or receive messages, make calls, or otherwise communicate, the device will be confiscated and treated the same as a cell phone violation.

No. Under the new law, students may no longer use personal laptops, tablets, or other devices during the school day. All instructional technology must be district-issued and monitored. Little Elm ISD provides each student in grades 4-12 with a Chromebook to ensure a consistent and secure learning environment.

No. Phones must remain stored and powered off throughout the entire instructional day, including during restroom breaks. This is part of ensuring compliance with the law and protecting student privacy in restrooms.

Students may access and use their phones after the final bell. The law applies only during the school day, so phones can be turned on once the day is over.

If the device remains off and unseen, there is no issue. However, if it becomes visible, makes noise, or is accessed in any way, it will be treated as a violation.

If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices should be completely powered off during the school day.

We understand that personal devices are valuable. If a student’s phone is confiscated, it will be securely stored in a designated area in the front office. Only authorized staff have access, and the phone will remain there until it is returned to the student and/or picked up by a parent or guardian. Campuses are not responsible for any devices. Devices left unclaimed for more than 90 days are subject to disposal.

No. Students may not use their phones to contact parents during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. We encourage families to communicate any planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.

No. Students are not to use their phones during the school day. All academic tools must be accessed on district-issued devices during school hours. If the message is important, they should let a teacher or administrator know.

No. Personal messaging is not permitted during the school day, even on district-issued devices. If your child needs to get in touch with you, they should go through the front office or a staff member.

The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning. As a public school district, we are required to follow this law, and we ask for your support in helping us enforce it consistently.

No. Personal devices may not be used for recording, video, or photo purposes during the school day. Teachers will provide approved alternatives for projects requiring media.

All student IEP and 504 plans will be followed.

Students who depend on devices to manage medical conditions, such as diabetes, will have alternative expectations specific to their needs. These needs will be communicated by nursing staff or Special Populations personnel.

We completely understand wanting to hear from your child when they aren’t feeling well. While students are generally not permitted to use personal devices during the school day, including in the nurse’s office, the nurse will contact you directly if your child needs to go home or if there are any health concerns.

If the nurse determines that it’s appropriate for your child to use their phone to update you, they may permit it. We appreciate your understanding as we work to follow the law while still supporting student well-being.

We understand that some students use their phones as a coping mechanism, but under state law, personal device use is not permitted during the school day. If your child is experiencing anxiety that affects their ability to focus or stay regulated at school, please reach out to the campus counselor. We have support systems in place to help students manage these challenges without relying on personal devices.

Once a student is off campus, they may use their personal devices. Phones must remain stored until they leave school grounds.

Yes. In a genuine emergency, students should always use their best judgment to stay safe. If a student uses their phone to get help in a situation where staff aren’t immediately accessible, we will handle it with understanding and evaluate the circumstances appropriately.

We want families to know that our intent is not to punish students for trying to do the right thing. We recognize that unexpected situations can happen, and we will approach those moments with common sense and care. At the same time, we are working to follow the law as required and ask for your support in keeping personal device use limited to true emergencies only.