A Texas lawmaker is proposing banning cellphones and other electronic devices in all public schools across the state.
The author of House Bill 1481, Caroline Fairly from Amarillo, says that prohibiting students from using cellphones on K-12 campuses would help improve academic outcomes, students' mental health and classroom management.
She said during a hearing of the House Public Education Committee, "We want our kids to focus on academics, such as math, science and reading, and the reality is, these phones are a distraction. ... Schools cite growing incidents of cyberbullying due to these phones. My generation is more anxious, [more] depressed, less focused and more distracted than ever before."
According to Community Impact, the bill would prohibit K-12 students from using cellphones, tablets, smart watches and other personal electronic devices throughout the school day, and give school districts the option to prohibit these devices during activities before and after school.
Fairly, who's just 26-years-old, remembers being distracted by cell phones while in school.
"I remember trying to sneak my phone into the high school classroom," she said. "I think that this bill truly does have the power to fundamentally change the lives and learning experiences of a generation."
If the committee approves Fairly's bill during a future committee hearing, it will head to the House floor for a vote, where it will need 76 votes to be passed out of the House.
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