Texas Implements Statewide Cellphone Ban in Classrooms: What Parents and Schools Need to Know

A new state law in Texas, effective September 1st, will prohibit cellphones in classrooms during school hours. This marks a shift from previous varying school district policies, which sometimes allowed students to carry phones if stored in backpacks or pouches, or required them to be off during school hours. Under the new legislation, school districts face two primary options: either completely ban cellphones from school campuses or allow students to bring them, provided the school offers a secure storage solution, such as pouches or lockers. Parents have expressed mixed feelings, with some raising concerns about emergency communication with their children, citing incidents like the Uvalde tragedy where phones were crucial for last-moment contact. "How are they going to get in touch with their students?" one parent might ask, reflecting the anxiety. Teacher unions, including Alliance AFT, have voiced concerns regarding the enforcement of the new law and the financial implications. A spokesperson indicated that while $20 million was allocated for phone storage, this amount is considered a "pebble in the pond" compared to the actual costs of implementation and enforcement across all districts. The practicality of managing and securing thousands of devices daily, along with the funding required, remains a significant challenge for schools.

102.5 KISS FM

Are Kids Going Back To School Tech-free? Parents Weigh In

With the new school year just around the corner, VISD prepares to ban all electronic devices in classrooms, raising concerns among parents about comm…