Texas Education Commissioner wants to ban cell phones in schools

The top education official in Texas says cell phones don't belong in the classroom.

"At least from my perspective, cell phones are extremely harmful for student learning," Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said this week. He was testifying before the Texas Senate Education Committee.

"If it were in my power, I would have already banned them in all schools in the state," he told lawmakers. "So, I would encourage you to consider that as a matter of public policy going forward."

Morath cited research showing phones in the classroom are a distraction for students.

Currently, the decision to ban cell phones on campus is up to each school district in Texas. Several districts in North Texas require students who bring phones to campus to keep them in a Yondr Pouch, which is a secure bag with a magnetic lock.

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