We, the students, parents, educators, and concerned Texans, oppose HB 1481, the newly passed statewide phone ban in Texas public schools.

 

Here’s why:

 

Phones save lives.

During the Uvalde school shooting, students used their phones to call for help. In future emergencies, students should be able to reach their families, definitely not silenced by a pouch.

Unfunded mandates hurt schools.

Secure phone pouches cost ~$30 per student, totaling tens of thousands per campus. With no state funding provided, schools will definitely be forced to cut essential programs to comply.

Music and tech education will suffer.

Texas is HUGE on music education, but music students rely on tuning apps on their phones to get their instruments in tune. Buying $30 tuners for every player isn’t realistic, especially for underfunded programs. 

 

Local control is more effective than a one-size-fits-all mandate.

Many schools already limit phones during class and allow them at lunch or in emergencies, and these local restrictions work surprisingly well! Why is there a need for a statewide ban when there was already a good system in place?

Bans don’t teach responsibility.

Digital literacy and responsible phone use are essential life skills. Let’s teach students how to use tech wisely instead of banning it outright.

 

We call on Governor Abbott to:

 

Repeal or revise HB 1481 to

• allow local school district control
• Provide funding for schools forced to comply
• Prioritize digital education and responsible tech use instead of blanket bans

Add your name to stand up for student safety, school funding, and smarter tech policy in Texas.