The 2025-26 school year has brought several big changes to Cypress Ranch, including a new final exemption policy, renewed late buses and additional bus routes. But perhaps the most impactful change has been the implementation of a state-wide phone ban, mandated by Texas House Bill 1481. Texas House Bill 1481, passed during the 89th Legislative Session, requires all school systems to adopt and implement a policy prohibiting the use of personal communication devices by students on school property during the school day. The law officially went into effect on June 20, 2025, and Cypress Ranch is now adjusting to its new reality.
Some students have voiced their worries about the safety risks of the phone ban.
“There’s a big risk in safety,” junior Mary Hearn said. “If there was to be an active shooter in the building, we wouldn’t be able, by law, to contact the police or our parents [using a cell phone]. That makes me terrified that if I am ever in grave danger, I am not even allowed to contact my parents [using a cell phone].”
Other students worry about how the ban limits their ability to capture high school memories.
“I just think it’s really sad that we are no longer allowed to capture photos or videos of our school memories,” said junior Samantha Araujo. “Especially if you’re a senior and you want to document your final year of high school, you can’t anymore. I want to be able to take pictures and videos with my friends to remember the fun times and the little things that made high school special. Without that, it feels like we’re losing the chance to hold on to these memories forever.”
However, many students have found benefits with the phone ban as it has encouraged more face-to-face interaction.
“It’s actually been kind of nice because I’m new to the school, so I don’t really know anyone,” senior Tegan Fordahl said. “This ban forces us to actually talk to each other and make friends, which has made my transition here a lot easier.”
While phones may be gone from the classroom, the conversation about their role in safety, connection and memory-making is far from over. For now, Cypress Ranch students are left to navigate high school the old-fashioned way, face-to-face, moment by moment, hoping those memories last without a camera to capture them.
