Starting Monday, July 28 – the first day of school – Ysleta ISD is implementing new guidelines in compliance with a recently approved state law, Texas House Bill 1481, which prohibits students in K-12 public schools from using personal communication devices during the school day. This law is intended to address the mental health crisis among youth that medical research suggests is affecting students' attention spans and social development.
With support from our families at home, Ysleta ISD students will NOT be allowed to use cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other devices capable of telecommunications or digital communication while on school grounds during school hours. This includes devices such as Meta AI Glasses, Apple Watch, etc.
Students WILL be allowed to bring their cell phones/devices to school, but all devices must be kept in backpacks OR stored in a district-designated area in the classroom. In accordance with this new law, Ysleta ISD will permit students to use their cell phone/device if:
Necessary for implementation of an individualized education plan, a 504 plan, or similar plan; or
Due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician.
Understanding that parents/guardians have an interest in readily communicating with our students in the case of an emergency, Ysleta ISD will allow ALL students to use their cell phones/devices during a school emergency. In addition, all HIGH-SCHOOL students will be allowed to use their cell phones/devices during their lunch period.
With this change, it is important for students and parents/guardians to note the following:
Violation of this new law, related district policy or regulations shall be subject to confiscation and other discipline in accordance with the district’s Student Code of Conduct.
If the cell phone/device is made available for pickup and it is not retrieved, Ysleta ISD shall dispose of it after providing the notice required by law.
As with prior school years, students are responsible for their personal property. Students must take extra precautions to avoid leaving behind their cell phone/device or mistaking another as theirs. Ysleta ISD will NOT be responsible for any lost or stolen cell phones/devices.
Our guidelines were developed to comply with the law and greatly reduce student distraction while improving focus in the classroom. We encourage parents not only to set aside time to speak with their child(ren) about this change as soon as possible, but to continue reminding them to leave devices at home OR make sure they’re turned off and stored in their backpack during the school day.
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