Recently, House Bill 1481 was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. The law bans all cellular devices capable of communication on public school campuses, stating they’re a constant distraction to students. Despite legality, the law applies to all students, including those who are 18 and older.

While cell phones are persistent distractions, there is a much bigger problem in both the country and Texas: gun violence.

Our governor and state legislators refuse to properly acknowledge the constant threat of violence students face. School shootings are a real threat. A threat that needs to be taken seriously.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there have been 152 reported incidents involving a gun. As of August 2025, 44 school shootings have occurred throughout the country. Ironically, 18-year-olds can legally purchase certain types of guns under Texas law.

With such statistics, why are our state officials so focused on cell phones rather than the constant uncertainty students face?

Cell phones are safety tools, both physically and emotionally. Phones can document emergencies and be used as a form of self-defense. Many students have shared their anxiety on social media, saying they can no longer reach their parents or guardians for comfort and reassurance.

A Sandy Hook Promise PSA on school shootings shares the same sentiment. In the PSA, “Back-To-School Essentials,” a girl is seen texting her mom on her cell phone during an active school shooting. Students no longer have the option to do the same.

A cell phone was considered a back-to-school essential in a situation regarding gun violence.

The situation speaks for itself.

Some students are concerned about not having access to family members in school.

“I think it’s horrible, to be honest,” freshman Mason Cordova said. “It’s my first year and I can’t even use it, I want to be able to text my mom and I can’t.”

As a state that claims to prioritize education and child safety, House Bill 1481 directly goes against that narrative.

Students need to be protected in the classroom. To protect our children, our officials need to reevaluate focus on legitimate threats instead of surface-level distractions.