The Dallas Independent School District board early Friday gave the green light to a comprehensive cell phone ban for students, paving the way for new restrictions ahead of a soon-to-launch statewide policy set to take effect in September.
Under the new Dallas ISD code of conduct, any student caught using a phone during school hours faces confiscation - with the device returned first to a parent and, for a second offense, only after a $5 fee.
The statewide mandate - signed into law by Gov. Abbott - requires all public schools to prevent student access to personal communication devices during the entire school day or provide secure storage, with this district alignment marking a proactive step by Dallas ISD.
Disciplinary enforcement methods may vary by campus, from carry-in-backpacks to locked pouches or classroom boxes, and the board says details will be finalized this summer.
Proponents argue the ban will curb distractions and improve learning environments - echoing successful models in Dallas middle schools and other districts - but some parents express concern about limiting emergency communication with students.
With statewide funding available to support storage solutions, Dallas ISD is now focused on implementation logistics to meet the September deadline.
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