Texas Lawmakers Consider Statewide Cellphone Ban in Public Schools

Texas lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that could lead to a statewide ban on student cellphone use in public schools, a move aimed at curbing distractions and addressing mental health concerns among young people.

House Bill 515, introduced by Republican Representative Ellen Troxclair, would require students to store their cellphones and personal electronic devices in secure, school-provided pouches during school hours. School-issued devices would be exempt from the ban.

Addressing Distraction and Mental Health Concerns

Troxclair argues that excessive cellphone use is negatively impacting students' mental health and academic performance. Citing statistics, she claims that teenagers spend an average of more than five hours a day on social media and receive over 20 notifications per hour during school hours. 

Additionally, she pointed to rising teen suicide rates, which she believes correlate with the widespread use of smartphones.

"Limiting the addictive distraction of cell phones in classrooms is common sense! Our kids are suffering, both in their mental health & academic performance," Troxclair stated on X.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has also voiced strong support for a cellphone ban, calling the use of such devices in schools “extremely harmful” to student progress. 

During a Senate Education Committee hearing in 2024, he said, “If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state.”

Existing Cellphone Policies in Texas Schools

Many Texas school districts have already implemented strict cellphone policies to minimize disruptions in the classroom.

1. Houston ISD prohibits student cellphone use during the academic day and requires devices to be stored in backpacks. Repeated violations result in confiscation, with parents required to retrieve the phone for subsequent infractions.
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3. Cy-Fair ISD does not allow cellphones or other communication devices deemed a distraction by school personnel in classrooms.
   
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5. Katy ISD enforces a strict no-use policy during classes, restrooms, and locker rooms. However, high school students may use their phones during lunch and passing periods at campus discretion.
   
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7. Fort Bend ISD permits cellphone use for educational purposes with teacher approval, but students are not allowed to use devices for social networking, texting, or gaming during class. The district charges a $15 fee for parents to retrieve confiscated phones.
   

Concerns About Emergency Situations

Opponents of the proposed statewide ban argue that cellphones play a crucial role in emergencies, allowing students to communicate with parents or authorities during crises. 

This concern was highlighted during the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, in which students used their phones to call 911 while trapped inside their classrooms.

As the Texas Legislature prepares to vote on the bill, the debate over balancing academic focus with student safety remains at the forefront.