Texas Schools to Enforce Cell Phone Ban for K-12 Students

AUSTIN, Texas – Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Texas K-12 students will be required to stow away their cell phones during school hours. Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed House Bill 1481 into law, marking a significant shift in classroom policy across the state.

Authored by Representative Caroline Fairly, HB 1481 aims to minimize distractions and enhance the learning environment by restricting student cell phone use during instructional time.

Texas joins at least eight other states in implementing similar measures, reflecting a growing national trend to address the impact of technology on education. These states include both Democrat and Republican led states, highlighting the bi-partisan appeal of the ban.

While the new law mandates a general prohibition, it also provides school districts with the flexibility to tailor enforcement strategies. Schools can decide whether to permit cell phone usage during extracurricular activities and determine whether students can bring phones to school at all, offering options like designated secure storage spaces.

The ban extends beyond smartphones to encompass any device capable of telecommunication or digital communication, including smartwatches, flip phones, and pagers.

However, HB 1481 includes exceptions for students with specific needs. Students in certain special education programs may use cell phones if required for their instruction, and students with a physician’s note indicating a medical necessity will also be exempt.

The Texas Tribune contributed to this report.