I've been trying to figure out what the actual rules are for next year. Information is all over the place. Here's what I've pieced together from news articles and my school's vague announcements:
Current situation: There's already a law banning phones K-8 starting fall 2026. That's happening for sure .
Proposed expansion: Representative Scott Hilton has introduced legislation (House Bill 1009) to extend the ban to high schools starting fall 2027 . So not next year, but the year after.
Why they want to do it: Teachers say phones are super disruptive. One survey found 83% of high school teachers support a ban . Parents also support it — 71% in a recent survey — because they think it would lead to more learning and better mental health .
The big concern: Emergency access. A woman named Layla Contreras testified at the Capitol because her sister Sasha was at Apalachee High School during the 2024 shooting. Sasha texted her to say it was real and that she loved her. Layla said students need phones in emergencies .
What supporters say: They argue that phones during emergencies can actually be dangerous distractions from safety instructions. And they say policies can include exceptions .
What happens next: The bill will get hearings soon. Speaker Jon Burns expects "lively discussion." The state superintendent, Richard Woods, has asked for the ban, citing mental health concerns .
I honestly don't know how I feel about this. Part of me thinks it might be nice to have a break from my phone. Part of me panics thinking about being disconnected. What do you guys think?
Current situation: There's already a law banning phones K-8 starting fall 2026. That's happening for sure .
Proposed expansion: Representative Scott Hilton has introduced legislation (House Bill 1009) to extend the ban to high schools starting fall 2027 . So not next year, but the year after.
Why they want to do it: Teachers say phones are super disruptive. One survey found 83% of high school teachers support a ban . Parents also support it — 71% in a recent survey — because they think it would lead to more learning and better mental health .
The big concern: Emergency access. A woman named Layla Contreras testified at the Capitol because her sister Sasha was at Apalachee High School during the 2024 shooting. Sasha texted her to say it was real and that she loved her. Layla said students need phones in emergencies .
What supporters say: They argue that phones during emergencies can actually be dangerous distractions from safety instructions. And they say policies can include exceptions .
What happens next: The bill will get hearings soon. Speaker Jon Burns expects "lively discussion." The state superintendent, Richard Woods, has asked for the ban, citing mental health concerns .
I honestly don't know how I feel about this. Part of me thinks it might be nice to have a break from my phone. Part of me panics thinking about being disconnected. What do you guys think?
