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Away for the Day | Personal Communications Device Policy

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?

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.

How is Arlington ISD Implementing HB 1481?

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.

What is considered a personal wireless communication device in House Bill 1481?

House Bill 1481 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

What about earbuds or headphones? Are they allowed?

Students are permitted to use earbuds or headphones during classroom instruction for specific instructional purposes only. Earbuds/headphones may be used only when directed or approved by the teacher.

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
Any other use (such as in the hallways, at on-campus lunch, or in other common areas) is not allowed.

Will students be allowed to use personal devices at any time during the day?

Only for the medical exceptions made in the law. From the start of the student’s school day (which would include "zero hour", if your student has an early morning class), cell phones and other personal electronic devices are not allowed to be used. Use before and after the student's school day will be determined by each school.

What about laptops?

Arlington ISD is a bring-your-own-computer district, so laptops are allowed for educational purposes in class. Social media and electronic communication tools are not allowed.

What about wearable technology items such as Google Glasses or other “smart” devices?

Wearable technology items, including Google Glasses and other “smart” devices are not allowed.

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

How can I contact my student during the day?

If you need to reach your student for any reason during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Staff will relay your message or bring your student to the office to return your call if appropriate. Please avoid calling or texting your student directly, as they are expected to have their phone turned off and put away.

Can my child call me in case of an emergency?

If there is a personal or medical emergency, your child may request to call you from the front office or the nurse’s office.

If my student's phone is confiscated, when can I pick it up?

You can pick it up after the last bell on the day of the offense or the following day during office hours.

Where can I read HB 1481 for myself?

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

Please contact your campus principal or assistant principal. They can answer questions about the policy, your student’s behavior record or how accommodations are handled.