Mansfield ISD limits cell phone use

Mansfield ISD is implementing new guidelines for the 2023-24 school year limiting student use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices in the schools. The new guidelines were established after the Mansfield ISD Board of Trustees approved Board Policy FNCE at the June 27 board meeting.

The new guidelines are designed to limit distractions and learning disruptions in the classroom and include all devices used to communicate electronically including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches.

“As a board, we believe the new guidelines will limit distractions and disruptions to the learning process, which can frequently be caused by cell phone usage,” said Mansfield ISD Board President Courtney Lackey Wilson. “We want to empower our employees by outlining clear consequences for infractions.”

All students in kindergarten through sixth grade will be required to keep their devices turned off and stored away during the school day except for before and after school.

All students in seventh through 12th grade will be required to keep their devices turned off and stored away during class periods. Campus principals will also have the discretion to allow cell phone use during passing periods and lunch.

If a student uses a cell phone without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated. A parent, guardian or student may pick up the confiscated device from the office for $15.

Campus administrators will state expectations at the beginning of the year, and administrators will monitor cell phone violations. For more information including a graduated list of consequences, view the new guidelines: Personal Electronic Communications Guidelines.

Parents are encouraged to review the guidelines and talk with their students prior to the first day of school.

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