LAKEWAY, Texas – A representative from Central Texas has introduced a bill that bans cell phones in classrooms during school hours. This is a recent popular issue that has split parents and guardians, with some people promoting their positive mental health impacts, and whether children can be contacted in life-threatening situations. Some people worry about this.
Rep. Ellen Troxclair of R-Lakeway introduced House Bill 515 to the Texas Legislature in November.
If the bill passes, students will need to hand over their mobile phones at the beginning of school day and retrieve them at the end of the day. Meanwhile, they are stored in locked containers.
According to the bill, students can only contact parents or guardians during the day if they deem necessary. There are also exceptions for those who test medical conditions that require access to a mobile phone.
In a video posted to Facebook on February 6th, Troxclair denounced mobile phones for rising suicide rates among teens. She also said that the average teenager spends more than five hours a day on social media, and that students receive more than 20 notifications per hour at school. The source of these statistics was not cited in the post.
According to Troxclair, schools that have implemented a mobile phone ban have seen a decrease in suspension, bullying and fraud.
“It’s common sense to limit the addictive distraction of mobile phones in the classroom! Our kids struggle with mental health and academic performance. HB515 is to maintain the #awayfortheday mobile phone We will reverse this trend by providing support and funding to the district,” the post read.
This post received mixed feedback in the comments section. Some support HB 515, while others wonder how they can contact their children in emergencies.
“My kids in high school have had a lot of times they were either locked down or had a threat of shooting at school (pending or safe circumstances). My kids have said they really are I texted me when I was scared, and if they were scared, I don’t want to be without the ability to text with them,” one comment read.
The recent rise in school shootings in the US has put many parents in the upper hand. According to CNN, the rise in school shootings in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 has set all records since 2008. Students often use their mobile phones to call 911 or text their families during lockdown to let them know they are safe.
The ban on mobile phones has already been implemented in Texas school districts like Lake Travis ISD. Principal Paul Norton told Spectrum News 1 in October that he received similar feedback from parents worried about student safety unless there is an immediate way for children to contact them. However, he also reflected Troxclair’s concerns about the pupil’s mental health when it comes to extending screen time.
If you pass, your HB 515 will be enacted at the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year.
As of early January, at least eight states have implemented mobile phone bans in schools over the past two years.
