Latest news with #HouseBill1481
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Time of India
New laws in Texas are reshaping student life: Here's how it will impact the new school year
Leander ISD outlines how HB 1481 will impact Texas students in 2025. (AI Image) As students across Texas prepare for the 2025–2026 academic year, a newly enacted state law is set to significantly change daily school routines. House Bill 1481, passed during the 89th Legislative Session, prohibits the use of personal communication devices by all students in public schools during the school day. This law affects over 5.4 million students from kindergarten through 12th grade across Texas public schools, including those in Leander Independent School District (Leander ISD). The district has confirmed that schools are now required to adopt and enforce policies that align with the law, as reported by the Leander ISD. Device ban to be enforced from first bell to last bell According to Leander ISD, students may not use personal devices—including mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, or any electronic communication device—during the school day, defined as the period from the first bell to the last bell. This includes lunch breaks and passing periods. The law mandates that all such devices must be turned off, out of sight, and stored securely, either in lockers, designated pouches, or backpacks. Leander ISD has stated that the purpose of the ban is to eliminate distractions, support student engagement, and improve the learning environment. Students will still be permitted to use devices before and after school hours, including on school buses or during extracurricular activities held after the final bell. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Exceptions permitted under specific conditions The law does provide exceptions in limited circumstances. As outlined by Leander ISD, device use will be allowed if it is part of a student's Individualised Education Programme (IEP) or Section 504 accommodation. Medical exceptions also apply if a licensed physician certifies the device is necessary for the student's health needs. Additionally, usage will be allowed if required by health or safety laws. Response to violations and disciplinary measures Leander ISD confirmed that its policy will involve progressive disciplinary steps for violations. A student found using a prohibited device will first receive a verbal or written warning. Continued violations will lead to parental notification. Repeated breaches may result in confiscation of the device, which will only be returned to a parent or guardian. Leander ISD has stated that if a device is not retrieved within 90 calendar days following notification, the school may dispose of it. Further violations could result in students losing the privilege of bringing a personal communication device to school altogether and may lead to disciplinary action under the Leander ISD Student Code of Conduct. Use of personal laptops and other devices Personal laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets without SIM cards (cellular capability) are permitted if connected to the Leander ISD WiFi network. However, devices with telecommunication capabilities are banned. Device usage not permitted for specific activities Students may not use phones in the nurse's office, even to update parents about their condition. The school nurse will contact families directly, according to Leander ISD. Recording, photographing, or videoing using personal devices is also not permitted. For class projects requiring media, teachers will provide approved alternatives. Additionally, students cannot use devices to check apps such as Leander ISD Connect (ParentSquare) during the school day. Personal messaging on district devices is also disallowed. According to Leander ISD, communication with parents during school hours must be routed through school staff or the front office. Handling emergencies and unexpected situations Students may use personal communication devices only in emergencies where staff are not accessible. In such cases, Leander ISD stated that the circumstances would be evaluated with discretion. If a student forgets their phone in a pocket but it remains powered off and out of sight, it will not be treated as a violation. However, if the device is visible, used, or makes noise, it will be confiscated. Changes to extend beyond mobile phone use Leander ISD has clarified that smartwatches with communication features are also included in the ban. Only traditional time-telling watches are permitted. Phones must also remain stored during restroom breaks. Students cannot retrieve their phones to notify parents about forgotten items or early appointments. The front office will handle such communications. Broader legislative context and future updates House Bill 1481 is one of 107 new laws from the 89th Legislative Session expected to influence various aspects of Texas public education, including curriculum, safety, discipline, district finances, and daily operations. Leander ISD is prioritising communication on these changes and encourages families to stay informed by reviewing district updates, following official channels, and visiting the Leander ISD website. Further updates will be provided as additional laws take effect. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Miami Herald
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Countries Around World With School Phone Bans
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation on Friday banning students from using cellphones at school, marking the latest development in a trend that is growing nationally and worldwide. House Bill 1481 requires public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to implement policies prohibiting students from using a "personal communication device" during school hours. The policy also requires the school to adopt punishments for students found using these devices. Devices will be allowed if they are necessary for an educational program, if the student has a doctor's note, or if it is required to comply with health or safety regulations. Supporters of bans restricting cellphone use in school argue that the devices are distracting students. In Texas, 85 percent of teachers in the Richardson Independent School District reported that they got instructional time back under the district's cellphone ban, according to FOX 7 Austin. Critics argue that the devices are necessary for safety reasons. Students at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde used cellphones to call for help during a school shooting in 2022. Bans on cellphone usage in schools are in effect in many nations around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. The bans often have certain exceptions, including phone use for educational purposes or to accommodate students with disabilities. Some countries, such as Latvia, only ban cellphone usage among younger students. Other countries, such as Mexico, Canada, Indonesia, Bolivia, Spain, and Germany, have regional bans on the use of cellphones in schools. Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware Florida Indiana Louisiana Minnesota Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Virginia Washington Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton, in a statement: "Texas educators have increasingly voiced concerns about cell phones disrupting the classroom, and the data backs them up. Over 70 percent of national high school teachers say that cell phone distraction is one of the major problems that cause disruption." U.K. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, in a statement: "Schools are places for children to learn and mobile phones are, at a minimum, an unwanted distraction in the classroom. We are giving our hard-working teachers the tools to take action to help improve behaviour and to allow them to do what they do best – teach." School boards in Texas were given 90 days to adopt the new cellphone policy. Globally, several countries are reportedly considering nationwide bans on cellphones during school hours. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@ Related Articles Oldest Manager in MLB Bans Players From Using Cell PhonesT-Mobile Data Breach: How To See If You're Eligible For $25,000 PayoutApple iPhone 16e Vs. iPhone 16: Key Features, Pricing, and DifferencesApple iPhone 16e With 'Breakthrough Battery Life' Announced 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
In a first, this US state just shocked parents and students with drastic school rule. Exceptions revealed
Texas bans cellphones in schools Live Events Which US states have banned phones in schools? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Starting on September 1, a new law in Texas will ban students from using cellphones and other personal communication devices during school hours. Governor Greg Abott has signed a new law that requires all cellphones and other personal communication devices like smart watches to be in a secure, out-of-sight storage area during the school day, reports Fox the new law, Texas has become the first US state to impose a statewide mandatory ban on student cellphone use in public and charter schools, affecting more than 5 million governor signed the House Bill 1481 into law over the weekend which states that all school districts must prohibit the use of personal communication devices during school hours in Texas. Under the new law, the school must either prohibit students from bringing devices on campus or provide a way for the student to store the device while on school property. The law also requires schools to give punishments for students who are found using the devices in must either ban devices entirely from school grounds or require students to secure them in lockers, backpacks, or magnetically locked pouches. Devices such as cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, radio devices, paging devices, or any other electronic devices "capable of telecommunication or digital communication" have been included in the list, barring the devices provided by the school. Districts have 90 days from the law's effect to adopt and enforce are also in place for devices needed for an education program. If a student has a doctor's role or if it is necessary to comply with health or safety requirements or the school's safety protocols.'The passage of HB 1481 marks an important step toward restoring focus and connection in our classrooms,' State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo shared in a statement on 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," Fairly said."This bill puts education, not screen time, at the centre 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," Fairly from Texas, Virginia has also joined the list, with Governor Glenn Youngkin signing a bill that requires "bell-to-bell" cell phone-free classrooms across Virginia's public K–12 schools. It joins 13 other states that have statewide bans or restrictions on phone usage throughout the school day, reports Newsweek.A total of 14 states in US have active laws or executive orders that ban or restrict the usage of cell phones in schools:AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKentuckyLouisianaNew YorkNorth DakotaOklahomaSouth CarolinaTennesseeUtahVirginiaWest VirginiaOther states, including California, Oregon, and Washington have guidelines in place for school districts about limiting the use of phones by students during education hours. Other states such as Pennsylvania, Delaware and Arkansas have not issued a similar order but are actively encouraging school districts through funding mechanisms to adopt policies that result less phone however, may be implementing a more thorough ban soon. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year announced a bill that would ban smartphones and other personal electronic devices like smart watches from every single public school in the state, citing "unrestricted access to smartphones and social media" as a cause of worsening mental health in young people.
India Today
27-06-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Cellphones banned across Texas schools to curb screen addiction, 5 million affected
Texas has become the first US state to impose a statewide mandatory ban on student cellphone use in public and charter schools, affecting more than 5 million students. Under House Bill 1481, all school districts must prohibit the use of personal communication devices during school must either ban devices entirely from school grounds or require students to secure them in lockers, backpacks, or magnetically locked pouches. Devices covered include smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, pagers, and similar gadgets, though those provided by schools are have 90 days from the law's effect to adopt and enforce policies. 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 on 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," Fairly said."This bill puts education, not screen time, at the centre 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," Fairly FOCUS, MENTAL HEALTH AND BULLYINGProponents argue the ban is crucial to reclaim classroom focus and reduce screen-related mental health Representative Ellen Troxclair noted that excessive smartphone use has been tied to rising teen suicide rates, and students now receive over 20 notifications per hour in and educators alike have found that devices hamper attention and engagement.A Houston Chronicle editorial reported that schools using secure storage saw a 75% reduction in bullying incidents and a 13-point rise in test FOR MEDICAL AND SAFETY NEEDSThe law sets out clear exemptions for students who require devices for medical reasons or special education needs, provided these are supported by a physician's and some parents raised concerns about emergency communication, particularly recalling the tragic 2022 Uvalde shooting, where trapped pupils used phones to call for lawmakers addressed this by requiring that phones remain accessible in emergencies -- even if locked away during districts, such as Richardson ISD, report a marked improvement in teacher engagement, with 85% of educators agreeing that classroom time was reclaimed once phones were removed. Others, like Grandview ISD, employed locked pouches and witnessed students becoming more present and socially engaged during the school joins at least nine other states, including California and Arkansas, in moving to limit in-class cellphone use. With mounting evidence linking smartphone dependency to classroom disruption, states are embracing stricter districts fine-tune rules and tackle practicalities, Texas's bold step is likely to influence education policy elsewhere. The challenge now is to ensure smooth implementation without compromising student safety. Teachers, students, and parents will be watching closely as the new academic year begins.- Ends
Newsweek
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Countries Around World With School Phone Bans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation on Friday banning students from using cellphones at school, marking the latest development in a trend that is growing nationally and worldwide. House Bill 1481 requires public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to implement policies prohibiting students from using a "personal communication device" during school hours. The policy also requires the school to adopt punishments for students found using these devices. Devices will be allowed if they are necessary for an educational program, if the student has a doctor's note, or if it is required to comply with health or safety regulations. Why It Matters Supporters of bans restricting cellphone use in school argue that the devices are distracting students. In Texas, 85 percent of teachers in the Richardson Independent School District reported that they got instructional time back under the district's cellphone ban, according to FOX 7 Austin. Critics argue that the devices are necessary for safety reasons. Students at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde used cellphones to call for help during a school shooting in 2022. What To Know Bans on cellphone usage in schools are in effect in many nations around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates. The bans often have certain exceptions, including phone use for educational purposes or to accommodate students with disabilities. Some countries, such as Latvia, only ban cellphone usage among younger students. Other countries, such as Mexico, Canada, Indonesia, Bolivia, Spain, and Germany, have regional bans on the use of cellphones in schools. States With School Cellphone Bans Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware Florida Indiana Louisiana Minnesota Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Virginia Washington What People Are Saying Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton, in a statement: "Texas educators have increasingly voiced concerns about cell phones disrupting the classroom, and the data backs them up. Over 70 percent of national high school teachers say that cell phone distraction is one of the major problems that cause disruption." U.K. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, in a statement: "Schools are places for children to learn and mobile phones are, at a minimum, an unwanted distraction in the classroom. We are giving our hard-working teachers the tools to take action to help improve behaviour and to allow them to do what they do best – teach." What Happens Next School boards in Texas were given 90 days to adopt the new cellphone policy. Globally, several countries are reportedly considering nationwide bans on cellphones during school hours. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
