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Arlington ISD > Arlington High School > Campus News > AWAY FOR THE DAY

AWAY FOR THE DAY Texas House Bill 1481 is a new state law that requires school districts to prohibit students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time.

The goal of Away for the Day is to reduce distractions, improve learning focus, and support a positive, respectful school environment for all students and staff.

Away for the Day means that students' personal devices, including cell phones, tablets, text-messaging devices, smartwatches, and similar electronics, must be powered off and out of sight during all parts of the school day, bell-to-bell. This includes class time, transitions, lunch on campus and restroom breaks.

Texas House Bill 1481 is a new state law passed by the Texas Legislature that requires school districts to prohibit students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. The law defines personal wireless communication devices as any electronic communication device capable of sending or receiving data that is not provided by the school for instructional purposes.

This includes:

  • Cell phones
  • Text messaging devices
  • Smartwatches
  • Any personal communication device not issued by Arlington ISD
  • Other similar devices (Please see the FAQs below for additional details)

Depending upon the severity and frequency of the violation, students may be subject to the full range of corrective actions set forth in the Student Code of Conduct and Texas Education Code, including DAEP placement. The Student Code of Conduct serves as notification to parents and students that the District will dispose of confiscated telecommunication devices at the end of the school year if no claim is made. The District assumes no responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen devices once they are confiscated.