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Cell phones have taken over society and have had a massive impact on children everywhere. Children are being allowed cell phones and electronic devices younger and younger and that has hindered their academic development. Some Texas school districts have recognized this and are making a change for the better. Most recently Killeen ISD’s plan to make all secondary school campuses phone-free.
According to a report from Texas Scorecard, La Vega ISD in Waco and Richardson ISD in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have already moved to phone-free schools. When Texas Scorecard was talking with Susan Buckley, the assistant Superintendent in Killeen ISD, she stated, “Phone-free schools will allow our students to better concentrate on schoolwork.” This decision to move the schools to phone-free was approved by Killeen Trustees at their June 11th board meeting.
Many Texas public schools are creating environments where it is near impossible for students to thrive and meet their true God-given potential. With the temptation to cheat on assignments with a quick and simple Google search phones aren’t good for the learning environment. Artificial intelligence like Chat GPT is also now commonly used by students to cheat on assignments so they don’t have to actually put in the work themselves. Limiting or completely taking away access to cell phones in classrooms is extremely beneficial to students’ learning.
Killeen ISD is going to implement a phone pouch system. When students arrive at school they will put their phones in a locked pouch that they will carry with them. If the need arises to use the phone, students can get permission to go to the “phone zone” and tap their phones on the unlock key and use the device. This pouch system will cost the district a little bit over half a million dollars which is a substantial amount but will be extremely beneficial.
Beyond the academic elements cell phones bring in other dangers to children. Texas Family Project President Brady Gray tweeted, “2011 - 23% of teens had access to smartphones
2024 - nearly 100% of teens have access.
In that same time period, the suicide rate rose 48% among children, 131% for girls 10-14.
Depression rates among teens rose 59% (66% for girls).
Gender dysphoria rose more than 400%.
Social media is a cancer that is destroying the next generation.
The irony of posting this on social media is not lost on me.”
All Texas public schools should be embracing phone-free campuses. School administrations and teachers should be focused on the quality of education they are providing not having to focus on whether a student is paying attention or scrolling Instagram. Legislation to make this a statewide standard should come in the 89th legislative session to protect children’s learning spaces from distractions.