Texas bill proposes locking up student cell phones

A new Texas bill, House Bill 515, aims to ban cell phone use in public schools. Students would have to store their phones in lockable containers during school hours. The bill is motivated by concerns over mental health issues linked to social media. Currently, the bill lacks funding, leaving enforcement up to individual school districts. Some districts already have similar policies in place. The bill allows exceptions for students with medical notes. Reactions from parents are mixed. Some support the bill for reducing distractions, while others worry about emergency communication. The bill is under review by the House Public Education Committee, with no hearing scheduled yet.