Dialing Back to the 1980s: A Fun Take on Texas’s New Phone Ban in Schools

Texas House Bill 1481—which took effect on June 20, 2025—requires all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to implement a bell-to-bell ban on personal communication devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and anything else that lets students text, scroll, or TikTok in class.

Districts must set their local policies by September 18, 2025. Schools can choose to prohibit devices entirely or provide secure storage solutions. Exceptions apply for students with IEPs, documented medical needs, or legal health and safety requirements.

Unsurprisingly, this bill is stirring big feelings: from elation among teachers, to anxiety from parents, to outright resistance from teens. But as with any major change, adjustment is key.

For parents, we’re in luck—the 1980s are officially back in style. We’re “vintage” now! Shows like Stranger Things are reviving the charm of the analog world. So go ahead—share your stories with your kids. They’ll love it. Tell them about:

• Learning all the office ladies’ names

• Listening in on everyone’s calls

• Being in each other’s business

• And yes—explain what a landline is

Thanks to HB 1481, that retro experience is making a comeback—minus the payphone coins.

For many students, a phone has become a daily link to home. Help your child make that connection in a new (old-school) way. Consider:

• A bracelet you make together

• A photo tucked into a backpack or wallet (totally 80s!)

• A shared family mantra they can repeat to feel grounded

Texas House Bill 1481 isn’t just another rule—it’s a throwback to when school was about connection, culture, and curiosity—without screens in the way.

Let’s make it fun.
Let’s make it meaningful.
Let’s get ready to dial into real-time feelings and real-world focus.