State ban takes effect for 2025-26 academic year
A statewide ban on cellphones and other electronic-communications devices in classrooms will help students dial back on some bad habits, local educators and parents said.
Pupils will no longer be allowed to use the technology during lessons starting with the 2025-26 academic year, according to House Bill 1481 that Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law June 20.
The bill’s author, state Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, said in a statement released Monday the passage of HB 1481 will restore focus and connection in classrooms.
“By creating a phone-free environment, we’re giving teachers the tools to teach without disruption and students the space to learn, think critically and engage with one another face to face,” Fairly said. “This bill puts education, not screen time, at the center of the school day. I anticipate not only seeing major jumps in (gradepoint averages) and test scores, but improvements in mental health and social well-being as well.”
Area school district superintendents indicated they couldn’t agree more.
“This bill supports our efforts
'This bill puts education, not screen time, at the center of the school day.”
- state Rep. Caroline Fairly to keep students engaged and learning in a collaborative environment with their peers and teachers. Our goal is to equip educators with the tools they need to teach without necessary disruptions and to eliminate barriers to effective instruction,” said Taylor Independent School District Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen.
HB 1481 OVERVIEW
HB 1481 prohibits phone use during the school day but gives schools the option of banning devices from school grounds altogether or requiring them to be stored away. Recent studies about the detrimental effects of cellphones and other technology on students’ mental health and academic performance, not to mention distractions in the classroom, prompted the creation of this statute, lawmakers said.
Twenty-five other states have already implemented some type of cellphone ban in their schools.
Hutto and Granger independent school districts have had cellphone prohibitions in place for some time.
Hutto ISD Communications Director James Gazzale said the district’s current cellphone policy requires students to turn in personal cellphones and electronic devices during the school day.
“We’re actively planning for much stricter enforcement of this policy in alignment with the new requirements of HB 1481. We’re reviewing the law carefully and will make any required adjustments to ensure full compliance,” Gazzle said. “Hutto ISD remains committed to creating high-quality learning environments that prioritize student focus, engagement, and safety.”
Granger ISD already told learners in grades five through 12 to hang up their phones. The state law expands the prohibition from kindergarteners to seniors.
“We got ahead of the curve with this (issue) as we saw the distractions and effects it was having in the educational learning environment,” said Granger Superintendent Stephen Brosch.
Misuse of technology isn’t restricted to older pupils, and it’s not always just smartphones, educators said.
HIGH-TECH HIJINKS
Resident Abigail Pearce, who recently graduated with a teaching certification, noticed during her studentteaching days pupils found ways to go online without cellphones.
“What is harder to manage is the smart watches, even the ones made for kids,” Pearce said.
She said students would go to the restroom and play games on their smart watches or contact their parents saying they were sick and needed to go home, bypassing their teachers and the school nurse.
Taylor resident Catherine Rochez has three children in Taylor schools and said she can see both sides of the issue.
Removing cellphones and electronic devices from classrooms, Rochez contends, will help students focus on what really matters — their education.
“Without phones, there’s a real chance to reduce anxiety, peer comparison and even cyberbullying during the school day. It also teaches students how to be present and think independently, without relying on technology to answer every question or solve every problem,” she said.
The flip side of the coin is “we live in a digital world, and our kids are growing up in a time where tech skills are not just helpful, they’re essential…These are skills they’ll need in the real world,” Rochez said.
Some parents worry a ban on cellphones in the classroom could mean their children won’t be able to call for help in a school emergency.
“Being able to send a quick check-in message throughout the day gives me peace of mind,” Rochez added.
Thrall Independent School District Superintendent Tommy Hooker addressed the prospect of a state cellphone ban months ago in a school board meeting.
“It’s going to take some thought to work out a compromise that satisfies parents and teachers,” Hooker said.
A learning curve is involved, Rochez said.
“This change is going to be a big adjustment for students, teachers, and parents alike. I hope there’s room for flexibility and discussion as schools figure out how to implement the ban in a way that still supports learning and keeps families connected. Like most things, balance is key,' she added.
While HB 1481 is effective immediately, school districts have until the start of school to establish policies regarding the ban on cellphones and other technological devices.
