Texas Officials Are Considering A Ban On Cellphones In School Classrooms

As threats continue to rise against Texas public schools and students continue to be distracted by cellphones inside classrooms, teachers, administrators and Texas lawmakers are considering the idea of banning cellphones from classrooms across the state.

And already the idea has the backing of one official, the Texas Education Agency Commissioner, Mike Morath.

READ MORE: Students Across Texas Arrested For Making Threats Against Schools

According to a report from MySA.com, Morath testified before the Texas Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, September 18 and endorsed the idea of a cellphone ban inside Texas classrooms. In fact, Morath told lawmakers that he would ban cellphones today if he could and pointed to a stat that said that only 41%l of Texas students can show an adequate understanding of math. Morath believes cellphones in the classroom harm student learning according to MySA.com.

"At least from my perspective, cellphones are extremely harmful for student learning," Morath testified. "And if it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state."

Republican Texas State Senator Donna Campbell told lawmakers that the Texas Legislature could attempt to pass legislation in the upcoming session, but Campbell believes it's up to the school districts to make the decision for their own districts.

Districts are taking action. Some districts in Texas have banned cellphone use in classrooms while others have banned cellphone use on school property. And some districts still allow cellphones and haven't taken action against them.

According to MySA.com, New York City, Los Angeles, and the State of Virginia have all banned cellphones from classrooms. Some leaders also point to the rise in threats made against schools as a reason to ban cellphones.