Recently, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1481, a new law which prohibits students from using personal communication devices, including cell phones, smart watches, radio devices, paging devices, personal laptops or tablets, earbuds, headphones or any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication not issued by the district, while on school grounds during the instructional day. In other words, students will not be able to use cell phones or other devices on campus during the school day.
HB 1481, which is part of an effort to reduce distractions and create an environment focused on learning, will be in effect for all Texas school districts for the 2025-26 school year. The law allows district school boards to adopt the option of either prohibiting these devices on campuses or allowing the devices on campuses but having them securely stored away during the day. Disciplinary policies that prohibit device use must also be put in place and enforced.
On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Clifton ISD Board of Trustees adopted a local policy to allow the devices on campuses with secure storage, meaning students will be able to keep their device with them during the day but will not be able to access it for use. Parents and guardians are encouraged to begin discussing this new law and its implications with their student(s) to help them prepare for the upcoming change, as well as to have patience and to work cooperatively with the district as everyone adjusts to the new program and the growing pains that will take place during implementation.
When school starts on August 12th, Clifton ISD will be launching the Yondr Phone-Free School Program, an approach that supports student focus, well-being and connection by removing telecommunication distractions during the school day and that allows the district to be in compliance with HB 1481. More information on the use of Yondr pouches can be found at overyondr.com.
How the Yondr Program Works
Each middle school and high school student will be assigned a Yondr pouch—a secure, lockable case for storing personal devices. Students will be responsible for bringing their pouch to school each day, keeping it in good condition and not tampering with the locking mechanism.
Upon arrival to school: Students power off their device and place it in the pouch and lock it. Exceptions are provided for students with documented medical needs, Special Education or 504 accommodations or other health and safety requirements as outlined by law.
During the day: Students keep the locked pouch in their backpack or locker.
At dismissal: Students unlock pouches at designated stations to retrieve their devices.
The process is quick, simple and will be supervised by staff as part of each student’s daily routine. Different secure storage options are being discussed for elementary students.
Clifton ISD administrators are working on program logistics and district-wide guidelines that will be put in place when school starts. Those guidelines will be shared with families as soon as they are finalized.
In summation, this change to the Clifton ISD cell phone policy is not simply a local decision, it is mandated by state law and will be in effect for the 2025-26 school year.
Questions, comments or concerns? Please contact Clifton ISD Superintendent Andy Ball, on his cell phone, 254-707-1503, office phone, 254-675-1825 or by email, andy.ball@cliftonisd.org. AB