With the school year in full swing at Wakeland, students are adjusting to new rules put in place by the state of Texas over the summer, the most significant being the implementation of House Bill 1481.
House Bill 1481 requires all public school districts to restrict student use of personal devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal computers, Bluetooth devices, headphones, and any technology capable of personal communication. With school safety becoming a rising concern, the new law has sparked frustration among parents, students, and teachers alike.
“I think it is ridiculous,” said senior Sophia Chavez. “Last year we all had to put our phones in the cell phone caddy and everything was fine—there were no distractions. Now with this new rule, if something were to happen to me, my parents would have no way of knowing. It is just not fair.” Like Sophia, many Wakeland students believe the change does more harm than good.
Teachers have also had to adjust, since technology has been incorporated into classroom instruction in recent years. “I am a little mixed on the new phone policy. At first I thought it was extreme and an out-of-touch move to completely ban phones and all personal devices,” said teacher Mr. Handy. “However, I do think it is a good thing for the students in the long run. Less screen time will make them more social and less anxious. I have been surprised at how quickly and easily students have adapted to not having phones. The biggest adjustment for me personally is maximizing the class period with lessons from bell to bell instead of letting my students use their phones after they finish their work for the day.”
While teachers may have their own opinions, the decision is ultimately out of their hands, as everything regarding this new law is determined by the state. If students are caught with a personal communication device, it will be confiscated by a teacher or administrator and returned at the end of the school day.
“I think it is a good thing, though at first I was very against it,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Parker. “I was really fighting for students to be able to use phones at lunch since it is such a long period. However, if we allowed phones then, it would lead to phones being permitted during passing periods and in class, which is against the law. It is a tough adjustment, but I am happy to see students actually talking to each other and playing games during lunch instead of being buried in their phones. If students need to contact their parents throughout the day, that is what we are here for.”
Although the law has been difficult for some students to accept, it only applies during the school day. Once the final bell rings, phones are once again allowed—just not on campus. As students adjust, many are realizing that going a few hours without their devices may not be as challenging as it first seemed.
Good luck this year, Wolverines, and remember to keep those phones put away.
