HB 1481: Cell Phone Policy
During the 89th Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1481, which requires public school districts to implement policies restricting student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day.
In compliance with HB 1481, HPISD will restrict the use of personal communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, gaming devices, and earbuds, for all students in grades Preschool–12 during the school day beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
This update aligns with House Bill 1481, which aims to promote a more focused, distraction-free learning environment that supports academic achievement and student engagement.
During the school day, the only approved communication devices are district-issued laptops or iPads for students in grades Preschool–8 and personal laptops for HPHS students.
HPISD has purchased Yondr pouches for all students in grades 5–12 to securely store their cell phones during the school day. Once placed inside, the pouch locks and remains sealed until the end of the school day. Students will maintain possession of their Yondr pouch at all times. If a student’s phone is seen, heard, or felt vibrating during school hours, it will be confiscated.
While we encourage students to leave their devices at home, any brought to school must remain off and secured in a Yondr pouch or kept completely out of sight throughout the instructional day. Failure to comply will result in the device being confiscated and appropriate consequences assigned.
HPISD is in the process of reviewing and updating its Technology Framework to align with the requirements of House Bill 1481. In the meantime, the following consequences related to personal communication devices will be in effect for the 2025–2026 school year.
Elementary Personal Communication Device Offenses & Consequences
(Armstrong, Boone, Bradfield, Hyer & University Park)
Highland Park High School
Personal Communication Device Offenses & Consequences:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will I still be able to reach my child during the school day?
A: Yes, for critical messages please contact the campus front office and the message will be delivered to your child.
Q: What if there’s a school emergency?
A: Parents will be notified via School Messenger text message, social media, the District website and Constant Contact email. To sign up for text alerts, please click here.
Q: Can students use their personal communication device during lunch & passing periods?
A: House Bill 1481 does not permit the use of personal devices during the school day, including lunch & passing periods.
Q: Does this new policy apply to before & after school activities?
A: No. This only applies during the school day.
Q: Can students still use a personal laptop instead of a district issued device?
A: HPHS students are permitted to use their personal laptops during the school day for instructional use. Students in grades Preschool–8 will use only their district-issued devices (laptops or iPads) during school hours. Cell phone use is not allowed for any students during the school day.
Q: Who will get the Yondr pouches?
A: HPISD students in grades 5-12 will be issued a Yondr pouch.
Q: Are there any exceptions to using the Yondr pouch? Is it required for all students?
A: Students who receive Special Education services and require access to their personal device are exempt from using the Yondr pouch.
Q: When will my child receive their Yondr pouch?
A: Yondr pouches are expected to arrive during the first week of school. Once delivered, students will receive their pouch from their campus.
Q: When does my child place their cell phone in the Yondr pouch?
A: Just before the start of the school day, students in grades 5–12 will be required to place their cell phones inside their Yondr pouch with the device powered off. Phones will remain secured in the pouch for the entire school day. Once the dismissal bell rings, students will unlock their pouches and regain access to their phones.
HPISD’s current Technology Framework emphasizes:
- Technology use is aligned to the technology application TEKS and the HPISD Technology Integration Triangle
- Student cellular devices such as smart watches, and cell phones will not be visible/utilized
- Technology use falls within allowable range of technology minutes defined in the HPISD Technology Framework
HPISD Technology Integration Triangle