August 4, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed Senate Bill 2420 and House Bill 1481 into law to create phone-free learning environments in classrooms and protect the safety and online privacy of Texas children.
“Educators and researchers have raised concerns about the impact that smartphones have on student learning and student engagement,” said Governor Abbott. “Experts have explained that smartphones and social media affect the mental health of children. If we are going to be number one in education, it is going to require the undivided attention of our students in the classroom.”
During his remarks, Governor Abbott emphasized that House Bill 1481 will ensure Texas students are able to succeed in school, free from distractions. The Governor also explained how Senate Bill 2420, the App Store Accountability Act, will protect children who are trapped by predators into situations beyond their control…