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Principals say new state ban on student devices cut infractions to about two per week
Summary
Gatesville ISD principals reported that HB 1481’s ban on student devices during instruction has produced strong compliance and improved lunchtime socializing, with infractions "down to an average of just two per week."
Suzy Penrod, junior-high principal, and Liz Shoaf, high-school principal, told the board the district’s implementation of HB 1481 — the state law barring students from using cell phones, tablets and smartwatches during the instructional day — has been broadly successful.
Penrod and Shoaf said consistent expectations across classes have reduced disputes and improved engagement. “Infractions have dropped to an average of just two per week,” Shoaf reported, and staff observed that lunchtime has shifted from students staring at screens to “talking and laughing.” The principals said junior-high rollout was smooth, with few incidents of students attempting to use devices during school hours.
The update was presented as an information item; no board action was required. The presentation emphasized improved student interactions and fewer discipline incidents under the new policy.
