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Bill

SB 2365

Relating to a policy prohibiting the use of personal wireless communication devices by public school students during instructional time.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt and 13 co-sponsors

Texas bill would require public schools to ban student personal wireless devices during instructional time to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic focus.

Referred to Public Education
#computers&software(s2425) #email&electroniccommunications(s0321) #education--primary&secondary--charterschools(i0245) #education--primary&secondary--general(i0230) #education--schooldistricts(i0220) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #telephones&telephonedirectories(s5657)
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Bill Summary · SB 2365

Legislative bill overview

SB 2365 would require Texas public schools to establish and enforce policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches) during instructional time. The bill appears to mandate statewide restrictions on student device use during classroom instruction while allowing schools flexibility in policy implementation details.

Why is this important

Student phone use during class has become a significant concern for educators, with research suggesting it impacts academic performance, attention, and classroom management. This bill addresses growing frustration from educators and some parents about device distractions, while reflecting a national trend toward stricter phone policies in schools (similar to recent actions in New York, Florida, and other states).

Potential points of contention

  • Academic freedom vs. restriction: Debate over whether schools should decide device policies independently versus mandated state-level restrictions, and whether blanket prohibitions limit legitimate educational uses of technology
  • Enforcement and equity: Concerns about inconsistent enforcement across districts, disproportionate consequences for certain student populations, and how schools will handle violations without clear penalty guidance
  • Exceptions and accessibility: Unclear whether the policy would exempt students with documented needs (medical alerts, IEPs, 504 plans) or allow emergency communication, potentially creating legal liability for schools

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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