Students and parents all over Texas are furious because of House bill 1481, signed by Governor Gregg Abbot. House Bill 1481 requires public schools in Texas to implement policies banning the use of electronic devices like cell phones, and smart watches by students during the school day. This bill lessens the opportunity to cheat, text, and scroll through social media, which leaves lots of students upset. Most people believe that this law was ¨dumb” or ¨needless¨ but I think otherwise.
The bill, first introduced on December 2, 2024, took effect on June 20, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year. I believe that the bill was the right decision to make for it drastically benefits schools around Texas. Students use excuses such as “I need my phone for emergencies,” but really, how often does an emergency pop up?
If a student has an emergency, you can go to the office to speak with counselors or a trusted adult. Phones became a huge distraction and hurt socializing. I’ve noticed that I have been learning more than usual due to my inability to look up answers with AI.
I do acknowledge needing phones for research or certain courses/classes. Not having phones does make it much harder for research in Yearbook, Journalism, and a few other classes. Mr. Carpenter, who teaches the journalism class said ¨I have mixed feelings about it because my Journalism class used their phones to find information when their Chrome books failed, but I understand it’s a state law and we all must adjust.”
So far, the state phone law has been improving this school year. I have been enjoying socializing with friends, learning, and improving without AI.
Daniel Hester said, ” I’m forced to learn because I can’t use Chat GPT no more!”
