Leaders of the Texas Education Agency are considering a ban on cellphones on public school campuses.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, who endorsed the ban, claimed during a Senate Education Committee hearing earlier this month that the devices "distract students from learning and are harmful to children's mental health."

As reported by the Texas Tribute, Morath said:

If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state. So I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy going forward for our students and our teachers.

While distractions in the classroom are a great concern, especially in the public school system, many worry that by banning the phones, students could be prevented from contacting their parents in the event of emergencies. This, particularly, is a growing concern as mass shootings in schools have become more common in the country.

Many school districts across Texas have already implemented a cellphone ban- much of which were met with some challenges, including students walking out!

While many law makers and educators agree that there should be some sort of ban in place, many wonder how it will actually be enforced, if at all.

Texas HB515 would require students who bring cellphones and other personal electronic devices to lock them in a secure case, pouch or bag provided by the district during regular school hours. Which doesn't seem so outrageous.

Sen. Jose Menendez of San Antonio said during a hearing:

Mental health is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. I like what you said about if we could get rid of the cellphones, you know. I mean, it would help all of us if we could do that. But we can't. I mean … how would it look?

California has already approved a bill for school districts to adopt a policy restricting the use of cellphones in 2026- will Texas follow suit?