New Texas Law Could Ban Phones on School Campuses

In 2025, you would be hard-pressed to find a teenager in Texas without a cell phone.  According to Statista, as of October 2023, over 95% of teenagers in the United States have access to or own a cell phone between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.  A shocking yet not surprising statistic is how dependent younger generations are on cellular devices.

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Texas House Bill 1481 Bans Cell Phones On School Campuses

A controversial bill in Texas has passed and will be going into effect, collectively banning cell phone usage in Texas schools.  A notion that angers both teens and parents.  Students can still bring their phones to school, but will not be able to use them openly.  This bill could essentially prevent students from bringing their cell phones onto school grounds altogether.  However, that is likely going to be a case-by-case scenario.

Students are not happy because this will force them off their devices, while some parents are angry and even concerned that they will not be able to contact their child in case of an emergency.  However, not all parents see this as a bad thing.

"The kids need to focus more on learning than on their phones," Webb said. "The teachers work hard enough already without distractions, and then you add in outside electronics it makes their job even harder." -Shannon Webb via MySA

Mixed Feelings About Ban

There doesn't seem to be a shortage of parents who have mixed feelings about the ban.  Yes, cell phone usage can be distracting, but some see this as a necessary evil.  Especially in the event of a medical emergency or worse, a life-threatening situation.  You know, the kind of situation that typically makes the national media.

Mixed feelings aside, the ban appears to be making its way to becoming law.  At the moment, it needs the signature of Gov. Greg Abbott.  The bill is just one bill that affects Texas schools, including one other legislation requiring school classrooms to publicly display the 10 commandments.  How do you feel about this?