Public education remains a top priority for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, but one issue cutting across party lines is the push to restrict student cell phone use in classrooms. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle voiced support this week for House Bill 1481 (HB 1481), a proposal by Rep. Caroline Fairly (R-Amarillo) that aims to ban “personal wireless communication devices” during instructional time in Texas public schools.
The Texas House Public Education Committee took up the bill, which has gained backing from 77 additional House members. Under the legislation, students would be prohibited from using personal devices, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches, during school hours. However, devices provided by schools for educational purposes would be permitted.
Addressing Academics, Mental Health, and Classroom Management
Fairly told the committee that the bill is designed to improve student academic performance, support mental health, and assist teachers in maintaining classroom discipline.
“This bill addresses three critical issues: student academic outcomes, mental health, and classroom management for our teachers,” Fairly said. “We want our kids to focus on academics such as math, science, and reading. And the reality is these phones are a distraction. We even see in schools that do ban phones, test scores do increase.”
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath has previously voiced concerns over the impact of smartphones in schools. In a February hearing, Morath stated that the widespread use of smartphones has negatively affected student achievement, calling the correlation between smartphone usage and poor academic performance “extremely harmful.”
Implementation and Local Control
The bill provides school districts with some flexibility in enforcement, though its overarching goal is to keep devices “up and away” during instructional time. Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) addressed a committee substitute amendment that would explicitly include smartwatches under the device restrictions. However, the substitute version was withdrawn at the end of the hearing, leaving the bill in its original form.
Texas is home to more than 1,200 school districts and nearly 5.5 million students, meaning any legislative change affecting classrooms would have a far-reaching impact.
Debate Over Safety and Psychological Concerns
During public testimony, a mix of educators, administrators, and parents shared their perspectives on the proposed cell phone restrictions. Some expressed concerns over students losing a direct line of communication with their families, particularly in cases of medical emergencies or safety threats. However, many speakers focused on the broader psychological effects of excessive smartphone use among minors, citing concerns over addiction, cyberbullying, and declining attention spans.
The bill remains pending before the committee, but with strong bipartisan support and growing momentum outside the Capitol, it is expected to advance to the House floor for further debate. If passed, HB 1481 would mark a significant shift in Texas' approach to technology in schools, reflecting a nationwide conversation on balancing educational priorities with digital-age challenges.
