Texas Schools Enforce Cell Phone Bans

As the new school year begins, several districts across the U.S. are implementing stricter policies regarding cell phone usage in schools. In Texas, Education Commissioner Mike Morath supports potential statewide regulations amid concerns about distractions caused by phones, with a Pew Research Poll indicating that one-third of teachers cite this as a major issue. In Clay County, Florida, a new policy prohibits elementary and junior high students from using cell phones during school hours, while high schoolers can only use them during lunch. LAUSD has also introduced a controversial ban on cell phones for its over half a million students. Similarly, West Ada School District in Idaho has made classrooms cell phone-free zones, allowing teachers discretion over phone use. Students are finding ways to adapt, with some suggesting creative solutions to make the policies less cumbersome.