AUSTIN - Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a Texas House Bill recently, which may have many people upset - or thankful, depending on where you are standing.
Texas House Bill 1481 prohibits K-12 students from using mobile phones or other means of digital communications during school hours. Many parents want instant communication with their kids instead of contacting the school to get their kids a message.
Others, such as some parents and teachers, are in favor of the ban because cell phones are a big distraction for students. The distraction is not just because of calls, but because phones are used to surf the internet, play games and text other students.
Schools must implement policies dealing with the use of mobile devices and how best to store those devices during school hours. The bill also outlines exceptions for students with disabilities, documented medical needs or for safety and legal reasons.
All school districts will be coming out with their policies, which deal with prohibitive use, what is the device, exceptions, storage options, disciplinary measures, confiscation and disposal, and the use of school-issued devices. The law takes effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The Texas House of Representatives passed the bill with a 128-17 vote, with the Senate also passing the bill with a 31-0 vote.
