Recently, a new law in Texas banned cell phone use in schools and all personal devices, even for high school students who include students 18 years old or older. Many find this unfair because while adults can legally buy guns at 18, they cannot use their phones responsibly during school hours. Phones can be important tools for learning, communication, and safety.

This past school year, our community has faced real and tragic dangers. Texas has had 24 school shootings in the past year. We lost a student to gun violence outside of school, and there have been multiple threats at nearby high schools, including my own. These threats create a constant environment of fear and uncertainty for students and families alike.

During one false lockdown at our school, many students would not have known it was false if it weren’t for communication on social media and through text messages. Emails or official announcements from teachers and administrators simply cannot be sent quickly enough to keep everyone informed during urgent situations.

As someone who has personally lost multiple family members to gun violence, it is deeply frustrating to see lawmakers focus on banning cell phones in schools instead of addressing the much larger issue of gun control and student safety. Cell phones are not distractions — they are essential tools that help students receive critical information, stay connected with loved ones, and feel safer.

The phone ban isn’t just about phones — it includes all personal devices. That means things like Apple Watches, headphones, iPads, and even personal laptops. It’s concerning because a lot of us rely on our own devices to get work done when district-owned devices block important resources like YouTube, news websites, or educational tools. If I can’t even watch a tutorial or submit an assignment properly, how is this helping my education? It’s not just inconvenient, it’s setting us back.

How can schools keep pushing the digital education agenda, but we aren’t allowed to use our own devices for it?

Additionally, many important school announcements, including senior plans and events, are shared primarily through social media and digital communication. Without access to phones, students risk missing vital information that directly affects their education and future.

We believe the priority should be improving safety and mental health resources in schools, not restricting the tools that help students protect themselves and stay informed. Responsible phone use policies that balance learning with safety are a commonsense solution.

We urge lawmakers and school officials to reconsider this phone ban and work with students to create fair, practical policies that reflect the realities we face today.