Friendswood ISD is among the many school districts making policy changes this year to comply with a new state law banning students’ use of personal devices.
HB 1481 requires school districts to develop a plan to implement a school-day ban on use of cellphones, smart watches, earbuds, tablets and other personal devices.
The school district anticipated these changes earlier this year with the purchase of Yondr pouches which will be issued to students in 6th through 12th grade.
However, HB 1481 also eliminates the use of personal computers, which the district has allowed in previous years with their “Bring Your Own Device” policy (BYOD).
In an email to parents this week, Friendswood ISD said the BYOD network is being shut down this year. Allowing students to use their personal devices was intended to save money by reducing the number of computers the district would need to provide for students. The new policy will require all students receive a school-issued laptop.
In an email sent to parents, the district stated “Chromebooks will be issued to every student in grades 6 through 12, ensuring that all students have equitable access to secure and reliable learning tools.”
Any student found using a cell phone or personal device during school hours will have their device confiscated for the day. Only a parent or guardian will be allowed to retrieve the device. Repeat offenders will receive additional consequences such as community service, detention, or in school suspension.
More details can be found at www.myfisd.com/parents-and-students/cell-phone-policy.
