(Seguin) — Students in Seguin ISD and Navarro ISD along with districts across the state will see their cell phones and other personal devices tucked away this school year, as both districts comply with the new state law, House Bill 1481. The legislation, passed by the Texas State Legislature, prohibits the use of personal communication devices on school property during the instructional day.
Seguin ISD already had a policy requiring students to keep personal devices turned off from the first bell to the end-of-day bell. This year, the rule is reinforced by state law, which now requires devices to be kept in backpacks for the entire school day, with limited exceptions. Consequences for violations include confiscation, detention, and fines.
Navarro ISD, which has maintained a no-cell-phone policy for years, says HB1481 further strengthens its commitment to fostering a focused learning environment. The district notes that the law supports classroom engagement, promotes in-person interactions, and minimizes distractions.
The purpose of HB1481 includes:
Enhancing classroom focus by eliminating the temptation of notifications and social media.
Promoting face-to-face connection between students and staff.
Reducing distractions to build self-regulation and focus.
Addressing mental health and cyberbullying concerns by limiting opportunities for screen-related incidents.
Prohibited devices during school hours include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and earbuds or headphones. Exceptions are allowed for medical needs, special education plans, emergency communications, or district-issued devices like Chromebooks.
Parents can help by reinforcing the importance of the rules at home, understanding the exceptions, and reviewing the updated Student Code of Conduct. Both districts emphasize that parents can still communicate with their children through school offices in urgent situations.
The updated policies will take effect on the first day of school — August 12 for Seguin ISD and August 13 for the Navarro ISD.