Julie Ann Matonis, Communications Director for Alamo Heights Independent School District (ISD), announced a new cell phone policy requiring high school students to store phones in classroom caddies. This measure aims to boost engagement and reduce distractions. Matonis made this statement in an interview with Lone Star Standard on January 24.
"Students understand it's a campus-wide policy," said Ann Matonis, Director of Communications. "I no longer have to battle with them over it. This consistency has made classroom management smoother."
According to the interview, the policy prohibits elementary and junior high students from using personal electronic devices, including the Apple Watch, during school hours to support social and emotional development. High school students are permitted to use phones before school, during lunch, and after school, with disciplinary consequences for violations. This initiative was introduced to address growing social media issues affecting student participation and well-being.
K-12Dive reports that 97% of 11 to 17-year-olds use their phones during the school day, with a median in-school screen time of 43 minutes. The majority of students engage with social media (32%), YouTube (26%), and gaming (17%). The study also found that TikTok is the most used and longest-engaged app, with users spending a median of 1 hour and 52 minutes daily on the platform.
A proposed Texas bill, backed by Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Representative Cecil Bell, would require all public school students to store their phones in lockers throughout the day. This follows similar bans in Louisiana and Arkansas. The bill aligns with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath’s push for a statewide ban. Students who violate the policy could face confiscation fees of up to $30. According to Government Technology, 68% of adults support banning phones in the classroom.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Matonis has served as the Director of Communications for Alamo Heights ISD since May 2022. Prior to this role, she worked as a Communications Specialist at Northside ISD for nearly 18 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Kent State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University.
