A Texas invoice prohibiting college students from utilizing digital units within the classroom has sparked backlash from mother and father and college students alike, with one even beginning a petition in opposition to the regulation.
Cyliyah Goodlow, a junior at Lake Ridge Excessive Faculty, situated Southeast of Fort Price within the Mansfield Unbiased Faculty District, launched a petition on June 24, 2025 to finish the state’s faculty cellphone ban. She known as the regulation unfair and believes these measures put college students in danger in emergencies. Up to now, the petition has gained widespread consideration throughout Texas, gathering over 135,000 signatures.
The regulation — which handed the Texas legislature earlier this 12 months — prohibits college students from utilizing smartwatches, telephones, tablets and comparable units throughout faculty. As faculty shootings stay a high concern for college kids and oldsters, many imagine not gaining access to a cellphone may be the distinction between life and dying.
“The petition for me was extra than simply telephones and private units,” Goodlow stated. “It is extra about being heard, being protected and being handled like human beings … not issues that must be managed. I hope that this sparks an actual change and will get lawmakers to begin listening to the individuals they’re supposed to guard.”
Goodlow stated lawmakers ought to seek the advice of with the individuals doubtlessly impacted by a invoice earlier than they solid their vote. As 1000’s of Texans proceed to signal the petition, Goodlow stated she hopes it can seize lawmakers’ consideration and finally result in significant change.
“The declare of the regulation is to assist kids, however their actions say a distinct story, like rejecting laws to offer all Texas kids free meals through the summer season,” she stated. “That’s one thing that might have made an actual impression. You can’t declare to say that you’re attempting to guard kids whereas signing legal guidelines in opposition to kids.”
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Since launching the petition, Goodlow stated she has acquired gratitude from each her friends and oldsters for main the cost and talking out on behalf of others throughout the state who share her issues.
In keeping with the Texas Schooling Company, the regulation took impact on June 20, 2025, and faculty methods should have a written coverage in place no later than September 18, 2025.
Cellular phone insurance policies differ from district to district, and whereas Houston ISD doesn’t enable the usage of private digital units within the classroom, college students can depart them turned off and of their backpacks through the faculty day.
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