Austin, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 1481, prohibiting K-12 students from using personal communication devices during school hours. This law applies to all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Schools must adopt policies regarding device storage and handling within 90 days, and the law aims to reduce distractions and enhance student focus. Exceptions are allowed for students with health or safety needs, but concerns remain regarding the impact on communication during emergencies.
Austin, Texas — On June 20, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially signed into law House Bill 1481, which prohibits K-12 students from using personal communication devices during school hours. This legislation applies to both public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools across the state, affecting thousands of students.
Under the new law, schools are required to establish policies regarding the storage of students’ devices or outright restrictions on bringing them onto campuses. Any devices that are confiscated may be disposed of only after 90 days, provided that parents or guardians have been notified. The ban covers a wide range of devices, including cell phones, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, and any other equipment that can facilitate telecommunication or digital communication. Notably, exceptions will be made for students who have documented health or safety needs.
School districts have been given a period of 90 days to implement the policies related to this new law, which is set to take effect for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The primary aim of House Bill 1481 is to reduce distractions in the classroom and enhance the mental health of young Texans. Supporters of the bill argue that eliminating cell phone usage will lead to improved focus, engagement, and social interactions among students.
Evidence from previous studies, such as those conducted in Richardson Independent School District (ISD), indicates that certain districts have experienced positive changes in instructional time following restrictions on phone usage. However, the bill has faced objections and protests from students, as well as concerns from parents about safety during emergencies when communication may be necessary.
The comprehensive measure reflects an ongoing national discourse about the role of technology in education, particularly in how it affects learning and social dynamics among students. Critics point to potential downsides of the ban, questioning how students will communicate with their parents, especially during emergencies, and addressing some of the implications for students who need devices for legitimate health or safety reasons.
As the state proceeds with this significant change in policy, education officials and school administrators will have to balance the intended benefits of the law against the concerns and needs of the student population and their families.
Key Features of House Bill 1481
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | Immediate signing; effective for the 2025-2026 school year. |
| Devices Banned | Cell phones, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, any telecommunication devices. |
| Exceptions | Allowed for students with documented health or safety needs. |
| Policy Implementation | School districts have 90 days to adopt new policies regarding device use. |
| Parental Notification | Parents must be notified about confiscated devices at least 90 days before disposal. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 1481 entail?
The bill bans K-12 students from using personal communication devices during school hours in Texas public and charter schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year.
Which devices are included in the ban?
The ban includes cell phones, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, and any other device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.
Are there any exceptions to the ban?
Yes, exceptions are made for students with documented health or safety needs.
How long do schools have to implement the new policies?
Schools have 90 days to establish and implement their device usage policies.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News: Austin ISD Approves Cellphone Ban Rules
- Wikipedia: Cell Phone Ban
- FOX 7 Austin: Texas Cell Phone Bill Passes
- Google Search: Texas Cell Phone Ban Students
- KXAN News: Texas Students’ Cell Phones Banned
- Google Scholar: Impact of Cell Phone Ban in Schools
- Click2Houston: Texas Bill Banning Cell Phones Signed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cell Phone
- Community Impact: Dripping Springs ISD Cellphone Ban
- Google News: Cell Phone Ban Texas
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