Texas School Districts Tighten Cellphone Rules Ahead of New State Law.

Starting this fall, students across Texas will experience significant changes regarding cellphones at school.

Fort Worth ISD is the latest district to consider a stricter policy, with the school board expected to vote this week. If approved, the new rules would take effect immediately and be fully implemented by the 2025–2026 school year.

This move comes as part of a broader shift across the state, with districts adjusting their policies to comply with a new law aimed at reducing distractions during the school day.

Here’s a quick look at what other North Texas districts are doing:

• Allen ISD is banning all personal communication devices, including phones, smartwatches, and wireless headphones, from Pre-K to 12th grade. The policy starts on August 12.
• Irving ISD will require students to lock away devices in Yondr pouches (middle and high school), while elementary students must keep their phones powered off and in their backpacks. Enforcement begins August 13.
• Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is finalizing updates and plans to enforce them starting on the first day of school, pending board approval.
• Grand Prairie ISD is meeting this week to determine the best way to update and communicate its policy.
• Northwest ISD is going all in with a whole ban, beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, which involves swapping personal devices for district-issued Chromebooks during school hours.

Other districts, such as Dallas, Richardson, and Wylie ISD, already have phone bans in place and are reviewing their policies to ensure they meet the new law’s standards.

While many educators welcome the change as a way to reduce classroom distractions, some parents are concerned about being unable to contact their children during emergencies. Districts are reassuring families that exceptions will be made for medical needs and that students can always be reached through the school office if needed.

As the first day of school approaches, families should check with their district for updated rules and prepare for a school year with fewer screens.

Related news:

New Texas Law Targets School Cell Phone Use: What Benbrook Parents Should Know. FWISD Countdown to 2025-2026 School Year. Tarrant County College Board Elections Heat Up with Two Seats on the May Ballot. Fort Worth ISD Unveils 2025-26 School Year Calendar.