How is Texas’ school cell phone ban going? Committee on public education checks in with school leaders

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1481 in summer 2024, banning K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours in public and open-enrollment charter schools. The policy took effect during the 2025-26 school year, requiring districts to develop guidelines for device storage or prohibition. During a Texas House Committee on Public Education meeting, four educators shared feedback on the law’s implementation. Vivian Burleson, President of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, reported that 75% of surveyed teachers fully supported the ban, while 25% favored limited exceptions for non-instructional time or emergencies. She noted enforcement increased workloads for 38% of respondents but reduced stress for 30%. Deb Caldwell, Chief Operating Officer at North East ISD, described initial challenges due to differing interpretations of ‘school day,’ but the district aligned its policy with Texas Education Agency guidance in April 2025. Dr. Bridgitte Whaley, from West Texas A&M University, cited research showing improved student engagement and fewer behavioral issues, though enforcement inconsistencies persisted. Patricia Alvarado Barnes, Director of Library and Media Services at Dallas ISD, reported smooth implementation with minimal resistance. Educators agreed the ban fostered equitable classroom environments but emphasized the need for clearer enforcement protocols to minimize teacher burden.