schools
Post Cell Phone Ban, Wylie ISD students turn to old technology to document senior year
By Allie Spillyards at NBC DFW
· June 16, 2026
· 3 min read
One year after Texas restricted cellphone use in schools, one North Texas district is finding success by looking backward. At Wylie ISD's administration building on Tuesday, tables were covered with photos that looked as if they had come straight from the 1990s. The images showed classroom moments,
Key takeaway They were taken by members of Wylie ISD's Class of 2026 using disposable cameras as part of a district project launched after the state's cellphone restrictions took effect.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The success of Wylie ISD's Student Camera Project has implications for other districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Fort Worth ISD, as they navigate the state's cellphone restrictions. By embracing disposable cameras, Wylie ISD has shown that creativity and resourcefulness can help mitigate the challenges posed by these restrictions. As Fort Worth ISD administrators consider their own approaches, they may look to Wylie ISD's project as a model for fostering student engagement and capturing memories without relying on cellphones. The project's emphasis on documenting everyday moments and milestones also resonates with the Fort Worth community's strong sense of tradition and heritage, evident in landmarks like the Fort Worth Stockyards and Sundance Square. By exploring alternative methods for students to record their experiences, local districts can promote a sense of community and shared history, even in the face of technological changes.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? One year after Texas restricted cellphone use in schools, one North Texas district is finding success by looking backward. At Wylie ISD's administration building on Tuesday, tables were covered with photos that looked as if they had come straight from the 1990s. The images showed classroom moments,
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Allie Spillyards at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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