Texas Schools: Have Started Cell Phones Bans for Students

Besides distractions, bullies, and other concerns that affect Texas schools, cell phones play a significant role in the problem for some school districts. According to The Dallas Morning News, banning the use of cell phones has already been implemented in certain schools around the great state of Texas and is expected to soon become a nationwide practice.

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A debate took place on Tuesday with Texas House members over whether students should be allowed to have their phones during class time. As a parent, I’ve heard this discussion more often than I would like. Representative Carolyn Fairley stated, “We want our children to focus on academics, such as math, science, and reading. The reality is, these phones are distractions.”

Texas School Districts Weighing the Future of Student Cell Phones

Although many agree that phones in class are a distraction, they are necessary to some parents, students, and even educators. In the last couple of weeks here in Central Texas, there have been incidents at certain schools, and parents feel that if they had been made aware of them sooner, their children could have avoided witnessing any traumatic situations. Some schools in Texas have spent roughly $300,000 on phone pouches for students, but educators feel that this solution isn’t enough.

Texas Education Officials Discuss Possible Ban on Student Cell Phones

Representative Alma Allen of Houston stated, "I’m just thinking about the Uvalde case, where it was children who made the calls. I think parents and educators can agree that, in those moments, a child needs their phone. It’s not necessarily a distraction if your phone is put in your book bag and you're told to leave it there. We’re not asking our students to have them out and use social media or text, but for safety reasons, parents feel it would be better if their children had access to their phones."
As of now, lawmakers will continue to make adjustments as needed to ensure that everyone is on the same page.