An Alamo Heights teacher shared insights on the school district’s cell phone policy, which requires high school students to store phones in classroom caddies. The teacher noted that the policy has enhanced engagement and reduced distractions. The statement was provided to Lone Star Standard on January 24.

"Students understand it's a campus-wide policy," the teacher said. "I no longer have to battle with them over it. This consistency has made classroom management smoother."

The statement also explained that the policy, which has been in place for the entire 2024-2025 school year, prohibits elementary and junior high students from using personal electronic devices, including the Apple Watch, during school hours. The measure supports social and emotional development. High school students may use phones before school, during lunch, and after school, with disciplinary consequences for violations. The policy was implemented 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 and 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.