Conroe ISD students will need to power down their phones and smartwatches during school hours starting August 13. The district’s board of trustees unanimously approved the new policy on June 17 in response to new state legislation and growing concerns about student mental health and classroom distractions.
During the meeting on June 17, the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees reached a unanimous decision to implement a revised cell phone policy.
This new guideline requires that all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, keep their communication devices—such as cellphones and smartwatches—turned off and stored away during the school day. The upcoming policy is set to take effect on August 13, aligning perfectly with the start of the 2024–25 school year.
Board President Misty Odenweller acknowledged that this change will represent a significant transition for many students, but she emphasized the anticipated benefits. “Although it will be a challenging transition for numerous individuals, I am confident it will positively influence the mental well-being of our students and enhance educational results in our district,” she stated.
The recent development follows the Texas Legislature's approval of House Bill 1481, which mandates that school districts establish policies to limit the use of personal devices during school hours. Conroe ISD had earlier addressed the issue in its meeting on May 13, but action was not taken until now.
CISD policy documents state that devices are prohibited during passing periods and lunch. Unauthorized use will result in the device being confiscated and stored in the school office until the end of the day. Medical exceptions or those related to a 504 plan that necessitates device usage may be permitted.
School board trustee Lindsay Dawson proposed organizing a town hall this summer to help families and staff understand and prepare for the policy. “The responsibility will not solely fall on teachers and administrators to implement this,” she stated. “It’s essential for everyone in the community to support us.”
