During the recent legislative session, Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 1481 and the governor did sign it into law.  This bill prohibits students from using personal devices on district premises during school hours. While this may not affect those of you mentoring a younger student who does not have their own device, we want to make sure everyone is aware.  This is especially important for those who are mentoring middle or high school students and participating on the Seedling SMS texting platform.

Based on research showing that the use of devices regularly distracts students and negatively affects their focus at school, this law aims to improve focus, eliminate devices as a distraction and at the same time reduce the risks of cyberbullying.

All devices are included in the ban including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, smart watches, Bluetooth earbuds, fitness trackers, personal  laptops, two-way radios, pagers, etc.  Devices must be off and stowed away from bell to bell, including during lunch, advisory periods and between classes.  Exceptions are made for medical needs or educational accommodations. Violations will have consequences that can vary from district to district but ultimately end in confiscation of the item, sometimes requiring a meeting with a parent or guardian in order to have it returned. 

What does this mean for mentors?  For those not participating in the Seedling SMS program it just means supporting and encouraging your mentee in complying with these rules.  For those participating in the Seedling SMS program it means that you will need to confirm your meetings, both the time and where you will meet up, the day before and not the day of.  It is a good idea to have a conversation with your mentee about the change in timing of your texts to confirm visits, especially if last year you were in the habit of confirming the day of.

While this may be a big change for some matches, supporting our mentees in boosting focus, reducing distractions and lowering the risks of cyberbullying is something we can all get on board with!