Abbott touts classroom cell phone ban, expanded child protections

Published August 2, 2025 2:09pm ET



(The Center Square) – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ceremonially signed two bills into law coauthored by freshman state Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, designed to expand protections for children and improve education outcomes in public schools.

The laws prohibit personal communication devices in classrooms, including cell phones, smart watches, tablets and other devices, putting “parents in charge of apps on their child’s phone. Kids should be learning, not scrolling,” Abbott said.

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