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Fort Worth ISD Approves Daylong Phone Ban with Strict Penalties

Scheduled to start in September, it features medical exceptions with front-office contact for parents.

A majority of students across the nation will go to schools this fall where their cellphone use is restricted or banned. Florida has led the way in setting this trend, which is being adopted in Texas schools this year.
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Overview

  • The school board approved a policy requiring students to keep cellphones, smartwatches and tablets turned off and stored away throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
  • Violations begin with a verbal warning and escalate through device confiscation, parent notification and in-school suspension for repeat offenders.
  • The ban allows exceptions for documented medical needs or individualized education plans, and parents must use the front office to reach students during school hours.
  • Other North Texas districts such as Allen, Irving, Grapevine-Colleyville and Northwest have adopted similar measures ranging from code-of-conduct updates to lockable pouches.
  • United Educators Association leaders have urged administrators to back teachers enforcing the new rules as pushback from students and families is expected.