Cell Phone Policy

New Texas Law Prohibits Student Use of Personal Devices

As part of a statewide effort to create a more focused and respectful learning environment, House Bill 1481 was passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Abbott.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all Texas public school districts—including Granbury ISD—are required to prohibit student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. This includes usage in classrooms, hallways, and common areas such as the cafeteria, even during lunch and passing periods.

Devices covered under the law include (but are not limited to):

Cell Phones
Smart Watches
Fitness Trackers with texting or calling functions
Bluetooth Earbuds or Headphones
Tablets and Laptops not issued by the district
Handheld Gaming Devices
Two-Way Radios
Pagers
Any personal device capable of sending or receiving messages or data

GISD strongly encourages students to leave their personal devices at home or in their vehicle during the school day. For personal devices on campus, the designated storage space includes only a backpack or a purse. Personal electronic devices include: cell phones, smart watches, tablets, wireless headphones, and other similar items. All devices must be powered off (not put on silent) and left in a backpack or purse for the entire school day.

Granbury ISD students will use district-issued technology for instructional purposes. Exceptions can be made for students with documented medical needs, special education supports, or other legal accommodations related to health and safety.

We encourage families to begin discussing this change with students now to ensure a smooth start when school resumes on August 14.

Thank you for partnering with us to support a learning-focused environment for all students.

GISD Cell Phone Policy 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Granbury ISD (GISD) updating its cell phone policy?

To help students stay focused, engaged, and ready to succeed, Granbury ISD is updating its cell phone policy in alignment with the State of Texas House Bill 1481. This update eliminates personal device use during instructional time—allowing scholars to be more present, build stronger connections, and fully participate in learning. Together, we’re creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.

My student doesn't carry a backpack or a purse. What are their options?

What does the policy apply to? Instructional use of district-issued devices is not impacted.

When can my student use their device?

How is my student's personal device handled if it’s taken?

Age-appropriate consequences have been established for elementary, middle and high school students. Only a parent/guardian may retrieve the personal communication device in person at the school front office.

Offense	Personal Device Taken	Parent Notification	Parent Pick Up Device	Elementary School	Middle School / STARS	High School
#1	✅	✅	✅	Student Conference	2 Days Detention as Assigned	Saturday School 8AM-12PM
#2	✅	✅	✅	Detention	3 Days Detention as Assigned	3 Days ISS
#3	✅	✅	✅	1 Day ISS	2 Days ISS	5 Days ISS
#4	✅	✅	✅	1 Day ISS and Turn in Phone to Office Daily	Saturday School 8AM-12PM	DAEP Placement
#5 or more	✅	✅	✅	Administrative Discretion	DAEP Placement	DAEP Placement

Can my student call me in case of an emergency?

Are headphones banned entirely?

My student has a medical condition. Can they keep their phone for health reasons?

Yes. Students with a verified medical condition that specifically requires device access during the school day may receive individual accommodations, as approved by campus administration and/or the school nurse. Some of these accommodations may be provided via GISD-owned devices; work with campus administration.

Provide documentation to the school nurse and campus administrator.
Work with staff to create a plan that supports your child’s health and privacy.

What happens during a lockdown or safety event?

In an emergency:

Students are expected to follow staff directions and remain calm.
Personal phones will not be used during lockdowns to prevent the spread of misinformation.
GISD has emergency protocols in place to keep everyone safe and will communicate updates directly with families using official tools like phone calls, emails, Remind messages and texts.

Student safety is our top priority, and this policy supports safety protocols by reducing confusion during critical events.

Where are confiscated phones stored? Are they safe?

Is the district responsible for damage or loss of phones/personal devices?

What happens if the student does not give the phone/personal device to the staff member?

What if I can’t pick up the phone the same day, and my student rides the bus?

Can students bring their personal devices to quest/family time/advisory time or during lunch?

GISD issued devices are allowed, why are cell phones different?

How can I help as a parent?

Grade Level	Before/After School	In Class	Passing Periods	Lunch
PK-12	✅Yes	🚫No	🚫No	🚫No

Cell Phone Policy

New Texas Law Prohibits Student Use of Personal Devices

Frequently Asked Questions

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