The push to curb cellphones in Texas schools
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The nationwide push to ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms is making its way into the Houston area.
Why it matters: Phones are a key way for parents to stay in touch with their kids. Even some students concede that their phones can be hugely disruptive during class, and cyberbullying is a persistent issue.
- Multiple studies have linked cellphone use among kids to stress, anxiety and depression.
State of play: Houston ISD prohibits student phone use during the school day, saying it "disrupts learning," and the district requires students to leave their phones at home or in their backpacks. But it's considering prohibiting cellphone use during school emergencies as well.
- HISD's Madison High School introduced a complete cellphone ban in February.
- Katy ISD banned smartwatches in classrooms starting in August. Students are allowed to use only their assigned Chromebooks during the school day.
Meanwhile, Texas education commissioner Mike Morath recently urged lawmakers to bar cellphones from public schools.
- "If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state. So I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy," Morath told state senators at a hearing last month.
What they're saying: "I understand the need for communication, and parents want to make sure kids are safe. There's a time and place for cellphones," HISD police chief Shamara Garner said at a news conference.
- "But as it pertains to a lockdown situation, the best practice is to remain silent. The use of cellphones, as natural as it may be, may be counterproductive."
The other side: Some HISD parents have said they want their children to have phones with them for emergencies.
- "I 100% believe students should be able to have their cellphones on them at all times," HISD parent Meghan Hokom told Houston Public Media. "Not using them, but having them on them, in case there is something happening. If my children are put in that position, I want them to be able to text me and let me know and be able to have some final words."
Flashback: Madison High School's new policy sparked outrage and protests from students, leading to three days of walkouts. Despite the pushback, the policy remains in place.
Zoom out: States and school districts, from Florida to Los Angeles, have opted to ban cellphone use in schools.
How it works: In some schools, students are expected to put their devices in a secure pouch they can unlock when leaving for the day, or in case of emergency.