Texas students’ cell phones banned from schools under new law

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a recently passed bill into law Sunday that will ban K-12 students from using cell phones and other personal communications devices during the school day.

House Bill 1481 takes effect immediately; however, it is still months ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

The new law applies to public school and open-enrollment charter schools. Schools and districts will need to create policies to either store students’ devices or prohibit devices on campus.

The bill, authored by State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, was pitched as a means to boost young Texans’ mental health.

“The passage of HB 1481 marks an important step toward restoring focus and connection in our classrooms,” Fairly shared in a statement Monday. “By creating a phone-free environment, we’re giving teachers the tools to teach without disruption and students the space to learn, think critically, and engage with one another face-to-face. This bill puts education, not screen time, at the center of the school day. I anticipate not only seeing major jumps in GPA’s and test scores, but improvements in mental health and social wellbeing as well.”

Disposal of confiscated devices under HB 1481 can only occur 90 days after notice is sent to a parent or guardian. However, students with documented health or safety needs will be allowed to keep their devices, if required.

The law specifically covers cell phones, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, radios, pagers, or “any other electronic device capable of telecommunication or digital communication.”

Kathryn Emery, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry in Cedar Park, spoke with KXAN about the bill during our 11 a.m. show on Monday.