Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath is making his strongest push yet for a statewide ban on cellphones in schools, citing a link between mobile device use and declining student performance.
Morath pointed to state data showing student performance peaked around 2014 and has since declined. He argued that distractions from cellphones contribute to lower academic scores.
Several school districts in North Texas already have policies restricting cellphone use on campus. Meanwhile, lawmakers have introduced bills this legislative session to implement a statewide ban.
The proposed legislation is expected to spark debate among educators, parents, and lawmakers as the state considers measures to improve student outcomes.