KATY, Texas – One major district in the Greater Houston area has announced a new cell phone policy that is being widely discussed as the school year gets underway.
According to the Katy Independent School District’s 2024-2025 policy handbook, all telecommunication devices must be turned off and put away during instructional time (between school start and end time).
SEE ALSO: No cell phones and other new policies shaking up school districts across Southeast Texas
Elementary school students are prohibited from using devices in non-instructional areas.
Junior high school students are prohibited from using devices during passing periods but may use devices during lunch at campus discretion.
High school students will be allowed to use devices during passing periods and lunch at campus discretion.
SEE ALSO: Houston-area schools enforce diverse cell phone policies
Students will also not be permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, or headphones in the classroom or in school restrooms and locker rooms.
Additionally, students are not allowed to take photos/videos/audio in any school facility other than at an event open to the public.
Many students, teachers, and parents shared their concerns last year when the conversation began on no cell phones in the classroom.
The district said that during an emergency situation, students must follow the guidance of school staff regarding the use of devices.
Students at the Houston Independent School District will have to learn new policies as well regarding electronics in the classroom this year.
Leaders at HISD’s Madison High School announced a cell phone ban policy that was put in place at the end of last school year.
This ban requires all students to turn in their phones once they enter the building. After the policy was announced, many students staged a rally outside the campus. One student told KPRC 2, “they are treating us like prisoners”.
HISD released a statement, saying in part the cellphone policy is necessary to “ensure our students and staff have the safe and productive learning environment”.
In Montgomery County, students are allowed to bring their cell phones to school but they have to put them away for the day and if parents want to get a message to their kids, they are not supposed to call them on their cell phones, but instead reach out to the school’s administrators.