Overview

• The new state law bars cellphones, tablets and smartwatches during instructional hours on all Texas public school campuses.
• Parkland Health psychologist Josh Briley reports students are exhibiting nomophobia-related anxiety, irritability and depression in early days of the ban.
• Districts have established emergency contact procedures to ensure parents can reach students without violating the device restrictions.
• Briley urges parents to model device-free behavior at home and schedule screen-free periods to support their children’s adjustment.
• Teachers predict weeks of disruption but expect renewed face-to-face conversations and stronger peer connections to emerge over time.