Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas phone ban, House Bill 1481, into law on June 20; the bill took effect on Sept. 1. In accordance with the bill, Comal ISD policy bans students from using phones, smartwatches or other electronic communication devices during school hours.
Most students, teachers and parents were not happy about the new ban — and they have good reason to be; banning electronic communication devices in school is a bad idea because it causes separation anxiety, raises safety concerns and doesn’t allow students to have leisure time.
Texas lawmakers should reverse the bill before it is too late.
Firstly, stopping students from having their phone will not let them focus on their schoolwork; it will just distract them more. According to the Pew Research Center, 44% of teens say they feel anxious when they don’t have their phone. Lawmakers think that banning phones will have a positive impact, but it does the complete opposite. For example, if a student who works suddenly can’t go to work after school anymore, they will be anxious and stuck on the thought of “I really wish I could text my mom right now” or “will I get in trouble with my job?” instead of actual schoolwork.
Without easy access to phones, students will not be able to contact their parents or emergency personnel in the event of an emergency. Teachers and staff tell us not to get our phones from our bag during emergencies so that we don’t waste time. Additionally, students are not allowed to use their cell phones while on field trips or away at UIL events. This is a major issue. During emergencies, such as school shootings or fires, students will have no way to communicate with their parents. Parents will be worrying about their child, wondering if they’re stuck in the building, if they escaped or something worse. During field trips and UIL events, parents and students will not be able to communicate with each other about their location, if they’ve arrived safely or any other concerns. I know for a fact my mother will not let me go out on a field trip or UIL event without telling her when I’ve arrived at the place and back to school, and most other parents wouldn’t either. There is absolutely no reason why we should be putting this type of stress onto parents or students.
Lastly, phones provide an outlet for students to have fun and get their mind off the stress of school. According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of teens say phones make it easier for them to pursue hobbies and interests. Being able to access your phone during lunch or any off-time you have is a gamechanger. You’re able to socialize, watch videos and do many other fun things that will get your mind off of the stress that is associated with schoolwork.
Although I do agree that students should not use their phones during instructional time, completely blocking a student’s ability to have their phone readily available is not the solution. Banning phones completely creates a bigger distraction and hazard than phones alone.
Texas lawmakers need to reverse the bill before they can see the negative effects that come with it. Pretty soon, people will realize what banning phones actually causes: anxiety, fear and uncertainty. They need to reverse the bill now before it is too late.
