Texas bans phone use in classrooms
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A new state law mandates that districts ban students from using personal communication devices — like cellphones and smartwatches — during school hours, with some exceptions for disabilities, medical needs or safety protocols.
Why it matters: Lawmakers say the crackdown will cut distractions and boost mental health, but students are pushing back.
Between the lines: The law itself is simple — no personal communication devices during school hours — but leaves implementation to local districts, creating a patchwork of rules around enforcement, storage and exceptions.
- In some cases, policies vary not just district to district, but campus to campus.
Zoom in: San Antonio school districts have varying enforcement of the law.
- Northside ISD: Phones must be powered off and stored in backpacks or a designated location from first bell to last — including lunch and passing periods.
- San Antonio ISD: A draft policy up for review requires devices be silenced and out of sight all day; repeat offenses could lead to confiscation.
- Northeast ISD: Devices must be powered off and stored, but use is allowed during passing periods, lunch and outside class hours. Individual campuses may add stricter rules.
The other side: A Change.org petition created by Fort Worth junior Cyliyah Goodlow over the summer is picking up steam — mostly from students as they're returning to class and adjusting to their new reality.
What they're saying: "To be honest, it feels like we're in prison," Goodlow tells Axios. "That's not about stopping distractions; that's about control."
- She says the inability to use her headphones leaves her feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
What's next: SAISD, which serves about 47,000 students, will review its draft of the policy Monday, spokesperson Laura Short tells Axios.
- All Texas schools must have a policy in place by Sept. 18.