Montgomery ISD introduces policy banning students from using cell phones during the school day

Due to a new district policy, Montgomery ISD students will be required to turn off their cell phones on campus during the school day starting August 15 – the first day of the 2024-25 school year.

What you need to know

Under the new policy, MISD students will be allowed to bring their cell phones to campus, but they must be turned off and remain “in backpacks, lockers or vehicles for the day” while students are on school property, according to an Aug. 1 district news release.

In the event of an emergency or urgent situation, parents and guardians should contact the school office, where staff will relay messages to students and allow students to contact parents if needed, the release said. Students who violate the policy can expect the following:

• Notification of parents
• Telephone seizure
• arrest

“As a board, we are confident that the new policies will limit distractions and disruptions to the learning process often caused by cell phone use,” Board President Matt Fuller said in the release. “This new expectation allows our staff to focus on delivering engaging instruction and provides academic and social benefits for our students.”

According to an Aug. 1 email from a district spokesperson, MISD provides each student with a district-issued device that can be used for any curriculum that requires technology.

How we got here

Under previous district policy, students’ cell phones were considered an “extension of the classroom” and could be used to complete class work, the MISD spokesperson said.

This spring, MISD officials listened to teachers, parents and students and concluded that cell phones contributed to the “challenges in MISD,” Superintendent Mark Ruffin said in the press release.

“Cell phones distract students, hinder their learning and academic performance, negatively impact their discipline, lead to cases of academic dishonesty and, unfortunately, provide opportunities for cyberbullying,” Ruffin said.

Also to note

During a discussion about the new cell phone policy on Aug. 6, several MISD trustees expressed concern about parents receiving notices about canceled extracurricular practices. Ruffin said he discussed the changes with coaches to avoid potential problems.