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Personal Devices
What Wortham parents need to know about Texas HB 1481 — the state law banning personal devices during the school day — and how to reach your student.Â
Personal Devices Are Now Banned During the School DayÂ
Personal Devices Are Now Banned During the School DayÂ
Starting with the 2025-26 school year, Texas law bans students from using personal communication devices during the instructional day at every Frisco ISD campus, including Wortham. This is a state requirement under House Bill 1481, not a Wortham-specific policy — every district in Texas has had to adopt a version of it.
What counts as a personal device?
What counts as a personal device?
The ban covers more than just phones: smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, personal laptops, walkie-talkies, and Bluetooth-connected headphones or earbuds are all included. Students are expected to keep these devices turned off and stored in their backpack for the entire school day.
What are the consequences for a violation?
What are the consequences for a violation?
Consequences increase with each subsequent offense. The full breakdown is outlined in the Frisco ISD Student Handbook — check the current year's handbook on the FISD website for exact page and details, since the handbook is republished annually and page numbers shift year to year.
How do I reach my student during the school day?
How do I reach my student during the school day?
This is the change most parents ask about first. Guardians can still reach their student — it just looks different now, since students can't receive texts or calls on a personal device during the day:
For anything non-urgent: if your student has their school-issued device open, they may be able to send and receive email through their school account.
For anything urgent or time-sensitive: call the front office directly. Staff will deliver the message to your student by notifying their classroom.
For planned appointments or early checkouts: let the school know before the school day begins whenever possible, rather than trying to reach your student mid-day. See our Front Office & Visitor Information page for checkout deadlines.
Talk to your student before the change catches them off guard
Talk to your student before the change catches them off guard
If your student is used to checking a phone between classes or at lunch, it's worth talking through the new expectation at home before it comes up as a surprise at school.
Where to learn more
Where to learn more
Frisco ISD has a full FAQ and policy breakdown at friscoisd.org/hb1481.
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