Following the implementation of the Texas law banning phones and other electronics from public schools this year, students have been left without their phones in the classroom, during lunch, and at drop-off and pick-up. With students left with free time and forced to be without music, how are students managing?

Some students are faring better than others, finding that the phone ban did not affect them nearly as much as they expected.

Senior Jeremiah Cardenas says the phone ban didn’t affect his daily routine much.

“I don’t mind the phone ban, especially since it’s my senior year,” Cardenas said. “I did find myself struggling the first week with wanting to check the time, but I got over that pretty quickly.”

Other students, however, claim they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

One issue most students agree on is the lack of music. Despite DHS’s new policy banning music devices, some students continue to embrace the retro solution.

Senior Draven Covarrubia customized his own cassette player, fitted with 80s music. Though the player was originally a way to listen to music in class, he still continues to curate his playlist at home.

“I just thought why not? I got it for five bucks.”

Many have found themselves mindlessly daydreaming during free class time. With no options to scroll on social media or listen to music, students have found the school day tiresome.

Another change in student’s electronic routine is the inability to capture memories or just fun moments throughout the day, with the greater challenge coming up this Friday– the weekly recordings and photos capturing the traditional wake-up calls and pep rallies. 

With many changes to get used to and adjustments to be made, many students are left wondering what led to the law being implemented in the first place?

The phone ban, House Bill 1481, was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott following concerns about cellular devices present in the classroom. The bill was implemented for several reasons, the most notable being that cellular devices were a persistent distraction in the classroom.

The bill gave school districts the ability to establish rules for students. Some districts require students to turn in phones, and are returned to them at the end of the instructional school day. DHS however allows students to use devices before the first bell, before they all need to be powered off and stored in a bag or backpack. 

Media reception has been mixed with some favoring the law, and others indifferent to it. Theatre teacher Patricia Taitano loves the phone ban and its impact on students.

“I absolutely love the phone ban. I have seen an enormous difference in student interaction,” Taitano stated. “My students have been turning in their work on time, and my classroom has had no problems. We should’ve done it years ago!”

History teacher Tammy Bishop stated she has no problem with the phone ban.

“Students can use my phone whenever they need to, and it has been easier for me to manage. I don’t see a problem with it at lunch however.”

Though these changes and policy updates were sudden, students at DHS are slowly adjusting and adapting to their new conversational routine.