We’re committed to sustainable solutions that help our youth thrive
Why we support phone-free schools
Texas’ new phone-free schools policy is an important step toward supporting the wellness of our youth. It’s one piece of the larger puzzle—less screen time during the school day means more focus, stronger connections, and better mental health. Here’s what to expect as East Texas schools implement the new policy:
Improved learning
Schools that have implemented similar policies have seen improvements in students’ learning, including:
- More focus and better classroom engagement
- Better grades and academic achievement
- Less cheating on assignments and tests
Improved social experience
Students, parents, and schools typically need about 2 to 4 weeks to get used to a new phone-free policy. Once past that adjustment period, many schools notice positive changes in students’ social environment, including:
- Better conversations and connections with friends
- Fewer worries about someone taking embarrassing photos/videos
- Decreased bullying
An initial learning curve
Texas just approved a statewide phone-free school policy and schools are working hard to adjust. As implementation begins, there’s a lot to consider. Schools are thoughtfully working through details like:
- Where phones will be stored during the day (such as in backpacks)
- How the policy will be enforced
- Reminding students and parents what to do in an emergency
We can all help implementation go more smoothly by focusing on the benefits to students and supporting our schools as they adapt.