How Valley school districts plan to comply with new law restricting electronics

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Now that Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 1481, which restricts the use of electronics in schools, ValleyCentral is looking at how some districts will enforce this law this school year.

La Joya ISD

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, students will not be allowed to use cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or similar electronic devices during the instructional day from arrival to dismissal.

At the elementary level, students will keep devices in backpacks, cubbies, or areas designated by teachers. At middle and high school campuses, students will use locking pouches provided by the district and keep them stored away in their backpacks. 

Alternative campuses, such as HOPE and College & Career Center, will prohibit possession of personal devices entirely, continuing a successful policy already in place.

“This is not a La Joya ISD rule; this is Texas law,” said Derek Little, Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “Our responsibility is to implement it effectively while communicating with families, supporting our educators, and prioritizing student safety.”

For questions about the new policy, call (956) 323-2010 or visit www.lajoyaisd.com.

Harlingen CISD

Flyers were emailed to parents about what they need to know about House Bill 1481. The district said the following:

Students may not use personal devices during the instructional school day. The instructional day begins when students enter the campus and ends with the dismissal bell, and includes lunch, restroom breaks, and time between classes.

Devices must be stored in backpacks throughout the day. Only school-issued devices such as Chromebooks or iPads can be used for learning.

Additional information will be outlined in the student handbook and during back-to-school events.

Brownsville ISD

Devices must be turned off and kept out of sight, inside the student's district-approved backpack or purse. Personal and school-issued devices may not be used by students for any form of personal communication. Parents or guardians who need to contact their children should call the campus's front office.

Devices include cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers with messaging capabilities, Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, tablets and personal computers, gaming devices, two-way radios, AI glasses, and any other device capable of telecommunications or digital communications.

San Benito CISD

Under Texas HB 1481, students may not use personal communication devices, including phones, smartwatches, and earbuds, during the instructional day.

Devices must be powered off and put away to support a safe and engaged classroom experience.

Devices must be powered off, out of sight, or in a teacher-provided storage area. Devices include cell phones, headphones or earbuds, smartwatches with messaging or calling functions, and tablets or other internet-enabled personal devices.

Edinburg CISD

Students are not allowed to use personal cell phones or communication devices during the school day, from the time the first bell rings to the last bell, including lunch, recess, and transitions. Devices are prohibited in all areas of campus-classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, hallways, restrooms, locker rooms, and common spaces. Devices must be powered off and kept out of sight in their backpacks.

Prohibited personal devices include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones and earbuds.

Mercedes ISD

Students are not allowed to use personal cell phones or communication devices during the school day, from arrival on school property to the last bell — including lunch, recess, and transitions.

Devices are prohibited in all areas of campus — classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, hallways, restrooms, locker rooms, and common spaces. Devices must be powered off and kept out of sight, such as in a backpack or a personal bag.

Prohibited personal devices include: laptops, cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones & earbuds, paging devices, and alternative devices.

ValleyCentral reached out to other school districts but has not yet heard back.