In a move that may signal a significant shift in classroom policy, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath advocated for a statewide ban on cell phones in schools. While speaking in a Senate Education Committee hearing, Morath described the devices as "extremely harmful" to student progress, referencing their connection to sliding math scores and potential detriment to mental health. As reported by KXAN, only 41% of Texas students demonstrated an adequate understanding of math on the most recent state exam.
Despite the pressing need to improve educational outcomes, Morath mentioned he lacks the individual authority to outright ban the devices, saying, "If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state." This comment suggests a willingness to fully support any such legislation that could come to pass. Critics of such bans, however, raise concerns about student safety, particularly in light of events such as the Uvalde school shooting, where trapped students relied on phones to desperately reach police.
The debate over cell phones in schools isn't limited to Texas. Nationwide, educators are grappling with similar challenges. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, seven states have enacted laws to ban or restrict cellphone use in educational settings. In a statement obtained by The Associated Press, 72% of high school teachers across the country express cell phones as a significant problem, while fewer middle and elementary school teachers report the same concerns.
Some Texas legislators, like State Sen. José Menéndez and State Sen. Donna Campbell, appear to be sympathetic to the ideas proposed by Morath. "Everything doesn't take legislation. It takes leadership," Campbell said to KXAN, underscoring the role of local decision-making. However, the issue is poised to remain contentious as lawmakers and educators balance the need for focused learning environments against the imperatives of safety and communication in emergencies.
As the conversation continues, the outcome remains uncertain. During The Texas Tribune Festival earlier this month, some expressed reservations about a mandated ban. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa told The Texas Tribune, "but it may be that we should leave it to school districts to decide that on their own." Ultimately, whether Texas joins the roster of states legislating the classroom use of cell phones will depend on the forthcoming legislative debates and the evolving perspectives of its stakeholders.
