*Update: Additional information added on May 17, 2025 for clarity
At its May 12 meeting, the Friendswood ISD Board of Trustees voted to adopt a new district-wide bell-to-bell cell phone policy with a locking mechanism* to reduce distractions and improve student engagement. The new policy prohibits student use of personal cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day and will be included in the District Code of Conduct.
The measure passed with 5–2 votes, with Trustees Beau Egert and Niki Rhodes voting against it.
Following the policy decision, the board also voted 4–3 to approve the purchase of YONDR pouches, a locking phone storage solution that will be used to enforce the new policy. The pouches will be issued to students and remain locked during instructional hours, preventing access to personal devices until dismissal.
The YONDR system will cost the district up to $116,368.75 and will be funded through the capital projects fund. District officials selected YONDR based on strong references from other Texas school districts—including Richardson ISD and Terrell ISD—as well as the company’s reputation for customer service and implementation support.
Friendswood ISD’s actions come as the Texas Legislature considers multiple bills addressing student cell phone use in schools. Lawmakers have raised concerns about classroom distractions, student mental health, and the potential for bullying linked to unrestricted device access.
Key bills under consideration include:
HB 1481, introduced by Rep. Caroline Fairly, would restrict personal communication devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets—during instructional time. The bill would require each district to adopt a policy, potentially banning devices or mandating secure storage.
SB 2365, authored by Senator Brandon Creighton, would prohibit using personal devices during classroom instruction while allowing exemptions for students with disabilities or medical needs. Implementation details would be left to local districts.
HB 515 proposes a stricter requirement: all student devices must be locked in district-provided secure containers each school day. It also directs the Texas Education Agency to track and report data on the policy’s effectiveness.
Friendswood ISD’s new policy and pouch system are scheduled to take effect at the beginning of the 2025–2026 school year.
