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El Paso ISD student presenters weigh pros, cons and costs of proposed statewide phone ban
Summary
Students presented survey data to the board showing strong teacher support but low student support for a proposed state bill that would prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the school day, and discussed implementation options and costs.
Student members of the El Paso ISD Superintendent Student Advisory Council presented May 19 on a pending state bill that would restrict student use of personal communication devices during the school day and described district-level survey results and implementation concerns.
Presenters reported results from a district high-school survey: 47 of 57 teachers (82.5%) said they supported a policy prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day, while 42 of 398 students (about 10.6%) supported a complete ban. Presenters said the teacher confidence interval was 0.726 to 0.924 (95%) and the student interval was about 7.5% to 13.6% (95%).
Students and trustees discussed implementation options if the bill becomes law. The group described four approaches discussed in other jurisdictions and schools: a full ban on campus, use of secured pouches that hold phones during instructional periods, allowing phones to remain in backpacks, or mandatory collection by staff for temporary storage. The students recommended district outreach — public service announcements and education on cellphone management — to minimize community backlash if the law takes effect.
Presenters and other students noted equity and cost concerns. Destiny Licon, representing Young Women’s STEAM Academy, said the district has “a little less than 50,000 students” and that commercially available phone pouches cost about $30 each; she said that implies roughly $1.5 million to equip every student and that money could be allocated to other student needs. Several presenters suggested less expensive alternatives and using student leaders to promote voluntary compliance rather than relying solely on enforcement.
Students also raised safety and communication concerns, citing examples where phones enabled rapid parent contact during an incident. Presenters urged measured transition steps — trainings, incentives, and campus activities to replace screen time — and recommended administrators retain discretion to address campus-specific needs.
No formal board action was taken during the meeting.
