Trustees weigh strict new state ban on student use of personal communication devices during school day

Birdville ISD trustees spent the longest portion of their July meeting on how to implement a state law that restricts student use of personal communication devices during the school day and requires districts to adopt local policy.

The law, commonly cited in the discussion as House Bill 1481, "states that a student shall not use a personal communication device on school property during the school day," district staff said, and it directs districts to adopt implementing policy. Staff and trustees discussed choices the board must make: prohibit students from bringing personal devices on campus during the school day; allow students to bring devices but require a specific storage method; or permit students to keep devices in backpacks but turned off.

Why it matters: The law changes everyday practice for students, families and staff, affects how coaches and activity sponsors communicate with participants, and raises questions about monitoring and enforcement at large campuses.

Key points from the discussion

Dr. Showell…