Personal Device Use

Personal Device Use

In compliance with Texas House Bill 1481, Sanger ISD is implementing new rules that prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the school day, effective August 4, 2025.

What’s Changing?

Students may not use any personal communication devices from the start to the end of the school day, including during class, passing periods, and lunch.

Prohibited devices include (but are not limited to):

Cell Phones
Smart Watches
Fitness trackers
Bluetooth Earbuds or Headphones
Tablets and Personal Computers
Gaming Devices
Two-Way Radios
Pagers
Any other devices capable of telecommunications or digital communication

Only District-issued devices may be used during the school day.

What Should Students Do?

Leave personal devices at home, if possible.
If brought to school, devices must be powered off and stored in zipped backpacks (not in a side pocket or worn on the body) from the first to the final bell.
If seen, heard, or used, devices will be confiscated and handled according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Staying Connected

Parents may still contact their children, just differently.
For urgent messages, please call the campus front office. Staff will ensure your child receives the message.
Students can send/receive emails using their District-issued device, as long as it doesn’t disrupt learning.
Ensure guardian contact information is current, as students won’t be able to access phone numbers during school hours.

Plan Ahead

Let your child know about:

Early pickups
Appointments
Forgotten items

before the school day begins.
If something urgent comes up, the front office will assist.

Consequences

The consequences are included in the Student Code of Conduct.

Questions and Answers

Q&A

Q: Can students use devices on the bus?
A: Yes—before and after school only. Devices are not allowed during midday bus trips between campuses or events.

Q: What about passing periods and lunch?
A: These are still part of the school day—devices are not allowed.

Q: What if a device is confiscated?
A: It will be safely stored and returned per the Student Code of Conduct. By sending the device with your student, you assume liability for loss, damage, or theft of that digital device.

Q: What if there’s a school emergency?
A: Sanger ISD will notify families via our emergency notification system. When it’s safe, students may use their devices to contact parents.

Q: Does this apply to extracurriculars?
A: No. The law applies only during the instructional day.

Q: Can students use their own laptops?
A: No. Students must use District-issued devices provided through the 1:1 program.

Q: Can my child take their phone to the restroom?
A: No. Devices must remain stored throughout the day.

Q: My child walks home. Can they use their phone for safety?
A: Yes—after dismissal.

Q: What if the phone vibrates or rings inside the backpack?
A: If a phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it may be confiscated and treated as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Phones must be fully powered off.

Q: Can phones be used for lessons or projects?
A: No. Teachers will offer alternatives using school technology.

Q: What if my student forgets something at home or has an appointment?
A: House Bill 1481 does not make allowances for students to contact parents with their personal communication devices during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. If a student needs to make a call, they can use the front office phone.

Q: What if my child needs it for anxiety support?
A: We’re here to help. Please connect with your campus counselor to explore other support options.

Q: Can my child use it in the nurse’s office?
A: No, there is a phone they can use in the office to make calls.

Q: Can students use their phones if stuck or in danger?
A: In a real emergency, students should use their best judgment. These situations will be handled with compassion and common sense.

Thank you for partnering with us to support focused, distraction-free learning.