A new state law requires Texas school districts to limit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. Beginning August 13, 2025, Tyler ISD will follow this law by becoming a Phone-Free district from the first bell to the last.
This means students in all grades, from Pre-K through high school, must turn off and put away cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other non-district devices during the school day, including class time, lunch, recess, and tutorials. Devices should be stored in backpacks, lockers, or another secure location. Parents and guardians can reach students by emailing them on their student-issued Chromebooks or by calling the school’s front office.
“We believe classrooms should be a place of engagement and learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “This policy empowers our educators to focus on instruction and our students to focus on academic progress. By reducing digital distractions that are not curriculum aligned, we’re reinforcing our commitment to an environment where respect, concentration, and meaningful interaction thrive.”
Exceptions will be made only for students with documented accommodations under a physician’s order, 504, or IEP plans.
Parents are encouraged to review the new policy and guidelines with their students before school starts so that students understand how best to contact their parents during school hours if needed and the consequences for breaking the cellphone policy.
“At the heart of this initiative is the same goal we all share: helping our kids succeed,” Dr. Crawford added. “When students are more engaged in class and with each other, they learn more, connect more, and grow more. There are already standards successfully observed across Tyler ISD around this issue. While we need all staff to ensure fidelity from campus to campus and classroom to classroom to make this implementation become a part of our teaching and learning culture, we really need our parents engaged and in support from home to make this work.”
To learn more about the new cellphone policy and changes, visit TylerISD.org/phone-free.