Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you are probably aware, the Texas Legislature enacted a new law, House Bill 1481, banning the use of cell phones and other personal communication devices in Texas schools. In accordance with this law, Blue Ridge ISD will be enforcing the following guidelines during the instructional day beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Guidelines
Prohibited Use:
Students are not permitted to use personal communication devices while on campus during the instructional day.
Personal communication devices include cell phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth headphones, tablets, gaming devices, and personal laptops.
The instructional day begins with the first bell and ends with the last bell of each day, including passing periods, lunch, and extracurricular classes.
These devices may not be used in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, restrooms, or locker rooms during the instructional day.
The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.
Storage Expectations:
Students may possess personal communication devices at school, but they must remain off and out of sight during the entire instructional day, including during lunch and passing periods.
Disciplinary Actions for Violations:
If a student uses a personal communications device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated and the student will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Parents will be contacted each time a student’s personal communication device is confiscated. If a student’s personal communication device is confiscated, the consequences will be as follows:
1st Offense - The student may pick up their device from the front office at the end of the school day.
2nd Offense - The student will be required to check all personal communication devices into the office each day until an in-person parent conference occurs. Devices will be returned to the student at the end of each school day.
3rd Offense - The student will be required to check all personal communication devices into the office each day for the remainder of the school semester. Devices will be returned to the student at the end of each school day.
4th Offense and beyond - Persistent misbehavior may warrant additional disciplinary consequences according to this Code of Conduct.
*Please see the 2025-2026 Student Handbook and/or Student Code of Conduct for more information.
Emergency Contact Procedures
Parents/guardians who need to contact their child during the school day must call the campus front office. Staff will ensure the message is delivered in a timely manner.
If a student uses their phone to get help in an emergency situation where staff aren't immediately available, campus administration will consider the circumstances and use their discretion to deal with it appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child have their phone before and after school?
Devices are not allowed once the first bell rings each day. Devices are allowed after the last bell, including at after-school activities.
Can my child have their phone during extracurricular activities off campus?
If students are off campus for extracurricular activities, they will be allowed to use their device.
What if I need to contact my child for a non-emergency?
You may contact the front office of the campus your child attends. Any message that needs to be relayed during the school day will be sent to your student in a timely manner.
What if my child needs to contact me during the school day?
Teacher discretion will be used to allow students to go to the front office to make any phone calls needed during the day.
What happens if my student forgets their device is in their pocket or backpack?
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 device causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be treated as a violation.
What if my child has a medical reason for needing a phone during school hours?
Any student needing a communication device during school hours for medical reasons will need to have this documented in their 504 plan or lEP.
What can parents do to prepare for this change?
Speak to your child about this new policy.
Encourage appropriate cell phone use.
Promote the importance of student focus on instruction.
Why is there a change in this policy?
The 89th Texas Legislative session resulted in the passage of House Bill 1481. This House Bill states, "schools shall adopt, implement, and ensure the district or school complies with a written policy prohibiting a student from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day. The policy must establish disciplinary measures to be imposed for violation of the prohibition and may provide for confiscation of the personal communication device."
In partnership,
Blue Ridge ISD