Texas has officially joined a growing list of states placing limits on student cell phone use in schools. Gov. Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 1481 into law, banning K-12 students from using cell phones during school hours beginning with the 2025–26 school year.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Caroline Fairly of Amarillo, prohibits students from using not only smartphones but also any device capable of telecommunication or digital communication — including smartwatches, flip phones, and pagers — during the school day.
Flexibility for School Districts
While the law mandates a general ban, HB 1481 gives schools flexibility in enforcement. Districts may allow phone use during extracurricular activities and can decide whether to:
- Require students to store devices in secure storage, or
- Prohibit devices entirely from being brought to campus.
This approach aims to balance the need for focused classroom environments with schools’ unique operational needs.
Special Education and Medical Exceptions
Certain students will be exempt from the ban. Those in special education programs may use communication devices if required for instruction. Additionally, a physician’s recommendation can allow a student to retain access to a device for medical reasons.
A Nationwide Trend
Texas becomes the latest in a wave of states — including California, Arkansas, and six others — to adopt restrictions on student phone use, citing growing concerns over distractions, mental health, and declining academic performance.
HB 1481 takes effect at the beginning of the 2025–26 academic year, giving districts time to develop enforcement plans and communicate policies to families.
