
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)
Enforcement
All steps listed under each offense will be taken.
First Offense
- Confiscation of device
- Teacher/Admin contacts parent and review consequences for additional infraction
- Student may retrieve from office at end of day
Second Offense
- Confiscation of device
- Teacher/Admin contacts parent and review consequences for additional infraction
- Parent retrieves device at end of school day
Third Offense
- In-school suspension (ISS)
- Confiscation of device
- Parent/Admin conference to review consequences for additional infraction
- Parent retrieves device at end of school day
Fourth Offense
- Assignment to Choices
- Confiscation of device
- Parent/Admin conference to review consequences for additional infraction
- Parent retrieves device at end of school day
- Loss of privilege to have possession of any personal device on campus
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is House Bill 1481?
How is Arlington ISD Implementing HB 1481?
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.
What is considered a personal wireless communication device in House Bill 1481?
This includes:
- Cell phones
- Text messaging devices
- Smartwatches
- Any personal communication device not issued by Arlington ISD
- Other similar devices
What about earbuds or headphones? Are they allowed?
Approved uses include:
- Accessing educational software or digital platforms
- Listening to audio components of classroom lessons or assignments
- Participating in language acquisition or literacy programs
- Completing assessments or interventions that require sound
Will students be allowed to use personal devices at any time during the day?
What about laptops?
What about wearable technology items such as Google Glasses or other “smart” devices?
How can I help as a parent?
- Talk to your student about the updates to this new law
- Remind your student to keep phones off and stored during the school day
- Ensure your contact information is up to date in Parent Self Serve
- Contact your campus administration with questions