Over the summer, Governor Abbott passed House Bill 1481 saying that, in Texas, from the start of the school day to the end of the school day students are not allowed to be on cell phones or any other personal devices. For Clear Springs, that means students must keep their cell phones turned off and in backpacks from 7:20a.m. to 2:35p.m.  

The first offense of having a device out is to have the phone taken away and available for pick-up in the front office once the school day ends; And a disciplinary sheet will be filled out. The second offense is the same as the first, with a day of ISS added on. The third offense is the same as the second but with three total days of ISS. The consequence of repeated offences increases, eventually resulting in placement in AEP. 

The bill was passed to help with the prevention of distractions in the classroom. The problems with distractions began to rise during the 2000s when cell phones began to become essential towards people, especially teens, and as time goes on, they seem to permanently be in everybody’s hand, even while there is someone at the front of the class teaching.  

Despite its reasoning, people have very mixed reviews about it. While some people agree with the ban and its purpose, many find it unnecessary and wish it were gone. A parent of a student attending Clear Springs, Kristen Kinder, says “I agree that cell phones should be put away during class times, I do not agree with taking them away from high school kids during breaks and lunch periods, as they may have many after school activities they need to coordinate.” 

Even if you disagree, or dislike it, this is the law, and all schools and teachers are required to follow it. Students are asked to be cooperative and understanding as we adjust to this new law and change in our lives.