HB1481: Personal Communication Devices for Students
The recent session of the Texas Legislature resulted in a new law, House Bill 1481, which prohibits the use of cell phones and other personal communication devices by students during the course of the school day.
In compliance with House Bill 1481, the Lake Dallas ISD Board of Trustees has voted to adopt a new cell phone policy for all students beginning this school year.
While the law provides districts with some flexibility for how to implement this, our Board of Trustees has voted for Lake Dallas ISD to follow the least restrictive option allowed.
Effective beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students must keep all personal electronic communication devices powered off and secured in their bags for the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods.
Personal communication devices include cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and earbuds/headphones.
Exceptions will be made only for documented medical reasons or other approved circumstances. If you have questions about possible exceptions for your child, please reach out to your campus administrator directly.
What You Can Do:
Please talk with your child before the start of school about these new procedures. This is a fantastic opportunity to talk with your child about healthy media boundaries and the importance of student focus on instruction.
We appreciate your support as we work to comply with state law. Together, we’re keeping our students ready to learn, grow, and succeed!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are smartwatches or wireless headphones allowed?
- Where should my child’s device be stored?
- Why is LDISD doing this?
- Why are phones prohibited during lunch?
- What if there’s an emergency?
- Will my child be able to call me after practice?
- Will my child be allowed to use their device on the bus?
- If my child is attending an away UIL event during the school day, will they be allowed to have their device?
- What happens if my child violates these procedures?
- Do I have to come retrieve my child’s phone if it is confiscated during the school day?