On June 20, 2025, the Texas House Bill 1481 passed, requiring all school systems to implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day.
This ban is a bad idea for many reasons because the law removes a safety tool for students to access during the day. Phones are not the main issue in the school system right now, and taking them away could lead to more harm than good.
The law prohibits cell phones, smart watches and other electronic devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication on school property during school hours. This does not include an electronic device provided by the district or a charter school. There are exceptions for students’ use of personal communication devices when: required to implement an individualized education program (IEP), a section 504 plan or similar plan, according to tea.texas.gov.
There is cause for concern and issues state-wide — House Bill 1481 affects not only students, but also parents and families. The bill makes it harder for parents to get in contact with their child during school hours and adds to the pre-existing stress of sending your child to a Texas public school. Texas has a high rate of violence in public schools with there being five school shootings in Texas alone in 2024, according to usnews.
One of the main reasons this law went into effect is because the government wanted to improve focus in students and reduce classroom distractions, according to gov.texas. A major concern for students is the restriction of the use of phones during passing periods, during privilege periods and lunch. While it may not seem like a big deal, it is to some. Students enjoy having time to themselves and can use it to listen to music and relax. Not every student has friends they can sit with at lunch, and not every student wants to socialize with others all the time.
This law is being opposed all over Texas. One example is Fort Worth, when student Cyliyah Goodlow started a petition in opposition of the law on June 24, 2025. Since that time, the petition has reached over 135,000 signatures as of Aug 18., according to houstonpublicmedia.com. Rather than just craving their phones, students are opposing this law because they want to be heard and treated only as a “problem to be fixed.”
Cell phones are a big part of the world today. The world has adapted to the use of technology and students will likely need to use their cell phones for ease and efficiency during the school day. Schools have gotten used to the idea of students having cell phones and being able to scan QR codes, use apps for passes and more. Having that taken away is going to make it harder for both sides to get used to.
Instead of banning phones, schools should be teaching students how to live in a rapidly evolving world where phones are always going to be a distraction, and how to manage a positive relationship with technology when it matters the most.
