Cell Phone-Free Learning
Texas has passed a new law which prohibits student use of personal communication devices during the school day to reduce student distractions and improve student engagement in the learning environment. This law applies to:
- Cell phones
- Non-district issued electronic devices
- Smartwatches
- AirPods and all Bluetooth-enabled headphones or accessories
While this is a new state law, our schools have always expected students to store their personal devices during class and many of our intermediate schools had already had practices prohibiting students from having phones during the school day.


District Expectations
- Device Usage: Cell phones and other personal communication devices must be powered off during school hours. Placing a device on vibrate or using it for texting is prohibited, except before and after school.
- Device Storage: All personal communication devices must be placed in a backpack, bag, or purse. Carrying devices in pockets or in clothing is not permitted.
- Headphones and Bluetooth Devices: Headphones, earphones, and earbuds with Bluetooth capability are not allowed to be worn during the school day.
- Restricted Areas: Cell phones and personal communication devices may not be used in hallways, restrooms, or any common areas throughout the school day.
- Recording Prohibition: Recording anyone or any situation using a cell phone or personal communication device is strictly forbidden.
- Confiscation Protocol: A staff member may confiscate a cell phone or personal communication device if it rings, vibrates, is used without permission, or if found in use on campus during school hours, except before and after school.
- Emergency Drill Access: During emergency drills, students may carry their backpack, bag, or purse, ensuring access to their cell phone for emergencies.
- Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency, campus administrators may give students permission to access their cell phones.
- Teacher Support: All staff members are required to adhere to the district's expectations of maintaining a student cell phone-free environment. Further, we ask that all teachers model this expectation during instructional time.
Phone-Free FAQs
- Preguntas Frecuentes sobre Dispositivos de Comunicación Personal de los Estudiantes
- Why is Clear Creek ISD implementing a phone-free learning environment?
- What does “school day” or “instructional day” mean?
- How can I reach my student during the school day?
- What if there’s a school emergency?
- Will this law apply to extracurriculars or after-school activities?
- Can my student use their phone on the school bus?
- What about smartwatches or other smart devices? Can students wear them?
- Can students still bring and use a personal laptop instead of a district-issued laptop?
- Can my student take their phone with them to the restroom “just in case”?
- What if my student walks home and needs their phone for safety?
- What happens if a phone rings or vibrates in a backpack during class?
- What happens to my student’s cell phone if it’s confiscated for a violation? Cell phones are expensive, and I don’t want the phone to get lost.
- What if my student forgets something at home or has an appointment? Can they check their phone to let me know?
- Can my student check the Connect CCISD or any communication app on their phone for updates from a coach or sponsor?
- Can my student record a presentation or take video/photos for a class project using their phone?
- Can my student use their phone in the nurse’s office to update me on how they’re feeling?
- What if my student is a senior with early release or has off-campus lunch? Can they use their phone once they sign out?