In accordance with Texas House Bill 1481, cellphone usage is prohibited during school hours within the district.

This bill prohibits usage of phones, smartwatches and students wearing earbuds during school hours.

  “I think they should give kids at least a little leverage,” sophomore Nolan Mark said. “It’s honestly preposterous that you have to go to the office just to contact your parents.” 

Administrators and teachers seem to think that the change seen in the students has been in a positive direction. 

“Lunch has been more lively and fun,” assistant principal Ryan Race said. “We have seen wonderful interactions and less cyberbullying.”

Many upperclassmen such as juniors and seniors believe that there are more negatives to this law being enforced in the district.

“Parents can’t reach their kids fast enough with this new law,” senior Aaliyah Pena said. “Some students also listen to music or use comfort apps as a way of getting away from loud noise.”

Race said that the current consequences in place have three levels.

 “These consequences are determined by the district, but most are similar to ours,” he said. “ 1-Warning and phone taken up. 2-Phone taken up and a day of ISS. 3- Phone taken up with a day of ISS, with parents having to pick up the device.” 

Pena said some students have adjusted to the change more easily than others.

“I see some kids more focused,” Pena said. “Whilst others seem even more spaced out and care even less about school. Some things come from the students’ mindset.”