The Humble ISD School Board has approved policies following a state-wide, required ban of personal communication devices for students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
House Bill 1481, passed by the Texas Legislature, prohibits students from using personal communication devices while on school property during the school day. The “school day” is defined as when a student enters the school building and ends when the dismissal bell rings. The ban includes classrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias, hallways, passing periods and restrooms.
Prohibited personal communication devices (PCDs) for students include:
Cell phones
Smart Watches
Tablets
Laptops
Headphones
Earbuds
Gaming Devices
Radios
Pagers
Steps students will need to take:
Humble ISD did not prohibit students from bringing devices to school. However, students’ personal communication devices must be put away when entering the school building.
Middle and high school students must keep any personal communication devices in a pocket, backpack, handbag or purse during the school day. Elementary students must keep any personal communication devices in a purse, handbag or backpack during the school day. (Pockets are smaller on elementary-age children than on students in middle and high school, so elementary children must store devices in a backpack, handbag or purse.)
Personal communication devices must remain out of sight, turned off or kept in silent mode and unused during the entire school day, from when students enter the building until the dismissal bell.
Personal communication devices may be used by students after the dismissal bell.
Disciplinary Consequences: Consequences for students violating the policy are listed below:
Middle and High School Consequences:
1st Offense = D-Hall; student picks up device after school, same day
2nd/3rd Offense = Extended D-Hall; parent/guardian picks up device after school, same day
4th Offense = 1 day In-School Suspension; parent/guardian picks up device after school, same day
5th+ Offense = 2-5 days In-School Suspension; parent/guardian picks up device after school, same day
*High school students with more than 1 Extended D-Hall or In-School Suspension cannot exempt final exams.
Elementary Consequences:
1st/2nd Offense = Device turned in to front office; written notice sent to parent/guardian; student picks up device at end of school day
3rd Offense = Student office referral; lunch or recess detention; parent/guardian picks up device from campus at end of school day
4th Offense = Same as 3rd offense; device intervention plan created; meeting with parent/guardian and counselor; parent/guardian picks up device from campus at end of school day
5th+ Offense = Student office referral; 1 day of In-School Suspension; device intervention plan review/update; meeting with parent/guardian and counselor; parent/guardian picks up device from the campus at end of school day
Exceptions:
A student will be authorized to use a personal communication device on school property during the school day only under the following circumstances and after completion of the appropriate campus form:
The student’s use is necessary for implementation of the student’s individualized education program (IEP), a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan;
The student’s use is required due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician; or
The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the District or campus safety protocols.
How Parents Can Support their Child:
Contact the front office to have a message delivered to your child.
Do not call or text your child during the school day.
Speak to your child to encourage appropriate use of personal communication devices during the school day.
Promote the importance of students focusing on instruction.
Upon 2nd offense, a parent or guardian will be required to pick up the personal communication device after school.
Humble ISD recognizes this will be a big change for our students and community, and appreciates the support of all parents to ensure this new policy, mandated by the State of Texas, is understood and followed by all students to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
We look forward to welcoming all students on the first day of school, August 13, 2025.