TASB Cell Phone Policy Development: Your Voice Matters

Join the Conversation

TASB is creating a model cell phone use policy that member districts can customize for their schools. We need your expertise and perspective to ensure this policy reflects diverse community needs and practical governance challenges.

Why Your Input is Valuable

School policies work best when developed through "collaborative effort involving faculty and staff, administrators, students, parents and Board members." Your frontline experience as a Trustee provides essential insights into:

  • Implementation realities across different district types
  • Community expectations and concerns
  • Balance between educational technology opportunities and appropriate limitations
  • Enforcement considerations and practicality

How to Participate

Interactive Online Platform

Share your thoughts through our dedicated engagement site where you can:

  • Respond to discussion prompts
  • Complete quick polls
  • Submit your own ideas
  • Review and comment on other trustees' suggestions

This platform allows you to "engage on topics important to you, at a time that is convenient to you" without having to "attend community meetings at a set place and time."

Focus Groups (Virtual or In-Person)

Join small group discussions with fellow trustees to dive deeper into specific aspects of cell phone policy:

  • Elementary vs. secondary approaches
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Parent communication best practices
  • Enforcement considerations
  • Technology as a learning tool

Register and follow this page to receive updates as focus groups are scheduled.

Policy Development Committee (3-4 Meetings)

Apply below to join a select group of trustees who will:

  • Review survey and focus group data
  • Work directly with TASB Policy Service staff
  • Shape key recommendations
  • Review draft policy language
  • Provide implementation guidance

Project Timeline

  • April 2025: Initial survey and online discussions
  • May 2025: Focus groups and data analysis
  • June 2025: Committee work and draft policy development
  • July 2025: Final review and revisions
  • August 2025: Release to membership


This collaborative approach ensures the final model policy will be practical, adaptable, and reflect the diverse needs of Texas school districts while providing meaningful guidance on this important issue facing schools today.

Join the Conversation

TASB is creating a model cell phone use policy that member districts can customize for their schools. We need your expertise and perspective to ensure this policy reflects diverse community needs and practical governance challenges.

Why Your Input is Valuable

School policies work best when developed through "collaborative effort involving faculty and staff, administrators, students, parents and Board members." Your frontline experience as a Trustee provides essential insights into:

  • Implementation realities across different district types
  • Community expectations and concerns
  • Balance between educational technology opportunities and appropriate limitations
  • Enforcement considerations and practicality

How to Participate

Interactive Online Platform

Share your thoughts through our dedicated engagement site where you can:

  • Respond to discussion prompts
  • Complete quick polls
  • Submit your own ideas
  • Review and comment on other trustees' suggestions

This platform allows you to "engage on topics important to you, at a time that is convenient to you" without having to "attend community meetings at a set place and time."

Focus Groups (Virtual or In-Person)

Join small group discussions with fellow trustees to dive deeper into specific aspects of cell phone policy:

  • Elementary vs. secondary approaches
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Parent communication best practices
  • Enforcement considerations
  • Technology as a learning tool

Register and follow this page to receive updates as focus groups are scheduled.

Policy Development Committee (3-4 Meetings)

Apply below to join a select group of trustees who will:

  • Review survey and focus group data
  • Work directly with TASB Policy Service staff
  • Shape key recommendations
  • Review draft policy language
  • Provide implementation guidance

Project Timeline

  • April 2025: Initial survey and online discussions
  • May 2025: Focus groups and data analysis
  • June 2025: Committee work and draft policy development
  • July 2025: Final review and revisions
  • August 2025: Release to membership


This collaborative approach ensures the final model policy will be practical, adaptable, and reflect the diverse needs of Texas school districts while providing meaningful guidance on this important issue facing schools today.

Discussions: All (5) Open (5)

  • Topic 1: Balancing Access and Restrictions

    3 months ago

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    In your experience as a trustee, what balance of cell phone access versus restrictions has been most effective in your district? Share specific examples of policies that have worked well or challenges you've faced with implementation.

    Go to discussion

  • Topic 2: Age-Appropriate Approaches

    3 months ago

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    How should cell phone policies differ between elementary, middle, and high school levels? What developmental considerations should guide our recommendations for each age group?

    Go to discussion

  • Topic 3: Enforcement Challenges

    3 months ago
    1 Response

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    What enforcement mechanisms have proven most effective in your district? How can a model policy address the practical realities of enforcement without creating undue burdens on teachers and administrators?

    Go to discussion

  • Topic 4: Parent Communication

    3 months ago

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    How should districts communicate cell phone policies to parents and secure their support? What specific strategies have worked in your community to build consensus around technology boundaries?

    Go to discussion

  • Topic 5: Educational Uses

    3 months ago

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    In what specific educational contexts should cell phones be permitted or even encouraged as learning tools? How can our policy distinguish between educational and non-educational uses?

    Go to discussion