As we enter the new 2025-2026 school year, the main discussion going around Texas is “House Bill 1481.” The purpose of this bill is to stop students from using any personal electronic devices during the school day.
House Bill 1481 was first introduced by Representative Caroline Fairly on April 24, 2025. Fairly sponsored the decision on banning personal electronic devices. The bill was created to increase academic improvement and student socialization. Then, it had to be sent to the Texas Senate to be passed, and lastly Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill June 20, 2025.
The law states students can’t have any personal device visible throughout instructional time. This includes phones, laptops, smartwatches, tablets, pagers, headphones (bluetooth included), gaming devices and radio devices.
“As an admin I thought, this is going to be an uphill battle. There’s 2,400 students and only so many admin,” stated assistant principal Joshua Martinez.
Having thousands of students and only so many administrators, one can imagine the struggle it is to make sure no cell phones are visible and everyone obeys the state law.
Although some students are working with the administration and giving them their phone when they ask or not taking it out in general, others aren’t being as cooperative. However, according to Martinez there is progress and changes being made.
“I see more student interaction. A lot of students are having more conversations, laughing and joking throughout the school day. However, some students are being combative. It’s a state law and they’re arguing with us like we made it,” said Martinez.
Some students look at the law from a different perspective. Cell phones were always not allowed to be on, but most teachers didn’t enforce it. Students got used to using or having their electronic devices nearby.
“The new phone bill surprised me. I never thought they would actually take it seriously. Although it sucks not being able to use my phone, I did notice I pay attention in class more and get twice the work done,” told freshman Audrina David.
Other students find the phone ban to be a hindrance to communicating with their parents.
“The one main thing I don’t like about the phone bill is that it’s hard for me and my parents to communicate with each other. Me and both of my parents communicate at least once throughout the day. It just makes it more complicated,” said junior Aaliyah Sanchez.
Students can still contact their parents, it just can’t be on their or another student’s cell phone. The office will allow students to call parents if needed, and parents can also call and ask to speak with their children or the administration will pass the message to them.
“Personally, I don’t like the new electronic ban. Not even because I want to be on my phone, but I prefer using my personal laptop. It just runs quicker and all my files are on one laptop. But now it makes it harder for me to switch from Chromebook to laptop,” commented senior Angel Serrano-Rodriguez
Overall, like most new things, it takes time to process and get used to. Students have been using their phones and other personal electronic devices at school for years but now legally can’t.