Texoma educators speak on public school phone ban

WICHITA COUNTY, Texas (KAUZ) - By August, all Texas public school students will no longer be allowed to use their phones at any point during the school day, except for emergencies.

This comes after the passage of House Bill 1481. Lawmakers and educators hope the bill will reduce distraction and increase engagement in the classroom.

With the Texas Legislative Session all wrapped up for the year, there are new laws underway to be put in place. One having to do with cell phones in less than 60 days, Texas public school students will not use their phones until the end of the school day.

“Every time that phone dings, every alert or notification it distracts the students and now they’re occupied do some other thing,” Wichita Falls ISD Superintendent Dr. Donny Lee said.

“Cell phone policies really should be left up to the local school districts, but in this case, we have a new law. So, that’s fine, we will adjust,” Burkburnett ISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Owen said.

There are more than 8,000 public schools serving students from grades K to 12.

Despite many of these schools allowing students to use cell phones during passing period and lunch, they are now prohibited altogether.

“There’s definitely going to be some differences, and it’s something we’re going to need to prepare our parents for,” Dr. Owen said.

According to researchers, teens found that half of them receive at least 237 notifications a day. At least 28 of those messages are coming from a family member.

Districts such as WFISD were already using Yondr phone pouches to reduce distractions in the classroom.

“So, as students arrive to school, they took their cell phone, they powered it off, they put it in a pouch and the pouch is locked where they cannot open it up until the end of the day,” Dr. Lee said.

This policy will not only prohibit cell phones, but also earphones and smart watches as well.

“That’s going to be a big deal, and we’re going to work to educate our parents on this. You know, all of July leading up to school, and really try to have our parents prepared for that,” Owen said.

“They turn it completely off, and they put it in their backpacks first period. It stays that way all day long, and never gets it out. And if it’s out, and we see it out, I’m assuming it’ll be the hey, here’s your warning, and next time we’re going to confiscate it,” he added.

During the proposal of the bill, many argued against the laws, arguing that it could be a safety concern.

“All employees in our district all have the Centegix badge that they wear on them. That they can hit a button to alert about an active shooter. If a student were to see it, they’ll simply have to let an adult know,” Owen said.

Or pose a health risk for students with diabetes or special needs.

Educators are encouraging parents to begin taking the need precautions to prepare their students for the changes for the upcoming school year.