Houston and Friendswood school districts announce policies for statewide cellphone ban

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The start of a new school year is quickly approaching, with many districts opening their doors to students in August. But this school year won't be quite like the others. A new policy prohibits public school students from using their cellphones during the school day.

This is all part of House Bill 1481, which passed earlier this year. It requires public and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices during instructional time.

The law bans cellphones, smart watches, headphones, and other devices during the school day. Lunch and passing periods are included.

It's up to the districts how they implement that rule.

Friendswood Independent School District said it will require students to put their phones in a pouch that the district locks. The students then put that pouch in their backpacks or lockers. The district said the policy applies to all FISD classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and other school property during school hours.

The Houston Independent School District recently posted about its plan as well. The district said devices must be kept at home or stored away and turned off in backpacks or lockers.

For the first violation, the device is taken away, and a parent or guardian can pick it up from the office after school. The second time it happens, they can pick up the device after one full school day. If it happens a third time, the parent or guardian can pick it up after two full school days.

This new policy is getting mixed reactions. Some people support the change, saying it eliminates distractions. Parent, Crystal Castillo, said she understands that perspective.

"I have some teacher friends and one of my siblings is a teacher as well," Castillo said. "So I understand that the classrooms are pretty crowded as it is these days, and it's a struggle to get the kids to lock in and pay attention."

However, Castillo said, ultimately, she felt concerned about not being able to get in touch with her children.

"A security thing. I like my kids to be able to reach me if there's an emergency," Castillo said. "I've heard other parents start to talk about ways around it. I think they sell necklaces where you can have your child's location."

The Texas Education Agency said there are exceptions for approved medical needs, a documented need from a qualified physician, or Special Education needs.

School districts with phone policies are eligible for a grant program to help pay for secure storage systems. According to the TEA, that money can help with things like storage pouches, cabinets, and lockers.

Ultimately, the state agency said the policy must be adopted no later than September 18.