A Texas bill prohibiting students from using electronic devices in the classroom has sparked backlash from parents and students alike, with one even starting a petition against the law.
Cyliyah Goodlow, a junior at Lake Ridge High School, located Southeast of Fort Worth in the Mansfield Independent School District, launched a petition on June 24, 2025 to end the state's school cell phone ban. She called the law unfair and believes these measures put students at risk in emergencies. So far, the petition has gained widespread attention across Texas, gathering over 135,000 signatures.
The law — which passed the Texas legislature earlier this year — prohibits students from using smartwatches, phones, tablets and similar devices during school. As school shootings remain a top concern for students and parents, many believe not having access to a phone can be the difference between life and death.
"The petition for me was more than just phones and personal devices," Goodlow said. "It's more about being heard, being safe and being treated like human beings ... not problems that need to be controlled. I hope that this sparks a real change and gets lawmakers to start listening to the people they are supposed to protect."
Goodlow said lawmakers should consult with the people potentially impacted by a bill before they cast their vote. As thousands of Texans continue to sign the petition, Goodlow said she hopes it will capture lawmakers' attention and ultimately lead to meaningful change.
"The claim of the law is to help children, but their actions say a different story, like rejecting legislation to give all Texas children free meals during the summer," she said. "That is something that would have made a real impact. You cannot claim to say that you are trying to protect children while signing laws against children."
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Since launching the petition, Goodlow said she has received gratitude from both her peers and parents for leading the charge and speaking out on behalf of others across the state who share her concerns.
According to the Texas Education Agency, the law took effect on June 20, 2025, and school systems must have a written policy in place no later than September 18, 2025.
Cell phone policies differ from district to district, and while Houston ISD does not allow the use of personal electronic devices in the classroom, students can leave them turned off and in their backpacks during the school day.
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