Fort Worth ISD Approves Cell Phone Ban Following New Texas Law

New Cell Phone Policy in Fort Worth ISD

• 📱 Fort Worth ISD has approved a new cell phone policy that requires students to turn off and put away all communication devices, including smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets.
• 🎯 The policy aims to comply with a new state law banning such devices in classrooms, effective September 1st.
• ⚠️ Violators will have their devices confiscated, with campuses determining further disciplinary actions.

Parent Communication and Exceptions

• 💬 The district will continue to use its mass messaging system to alert parents during campus emergencies.
• ⚖️ The state law allows for exceptions for students with medical or special needs.
• 👂 Board members emphasized the need to listen to parent, student, and teacher feedback for future policy updates.

Superintendent's Goals

• 📚 Dr. Karen Mullinar stated the policy's goal is to protect instructional time while ensuring parents can still access their students before and after class.
• 🏫 All public school districts in Texas are reviewing and revising their policies due to the new state law.

Dallas ISD Policy Details

• 🚫 Dallas ISD also bans phones, tablets, and smartwatches from classrooms.
• 💰 Penalties for violations in Dallas ISD include confiscation of the device on the first offense (free pickup by parent/guardian), with escalating fees of $5, $10, and $15 for subsequent offenses.