FWISD Updates Cell Phone Policy Ahead of New School Year.

Parents and students heading into the new school year should be aware of a significant change to Fort Worth ISD’s cell phone policy.

According to information shared by FWISD Watchdog, students whose phones are seen during the school day will now face escalating consequences with each offense.

The reported disciplinary progression includes:

• 1st offense: Phone confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian at the end of the school day.
• 2nd offense: Phone confiscated for seven days before a parent or guardian can retrieve it.
• 3rd offense: Phone confiscated for 14 days.
• 4th offense: Placement in OCI for 6 to 10 days, with the phone held for 30 days.
• 5th offense: Placement in DAEP, with the phone held until the end of the semester.

FWISD Watchdog expressed support for confiscating student cell phones but questioned whether holding a device for seven days or longer is practical. The organization also suggested a stricter alternative involving parent pickup, escalating fees, and earlier disciplinary consequences, including OCI and DAEP placement after repeated violations.

As the school year approaches, families may want to review the updated expectations with their students to help avoid unnecessary disciplinary action. Parents are encouraged to check with their campus or Fort Worth ISD for official details regarding the district’s cell phone policy.