Lawmaker calls on states to stop use of physical restraints on students

WASHINGTON, D.C.--A Texas lawmaker is calling on states to put an end to the use of physical restraints on young students, citing 20 deaths since 2009.

U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) is sponsoring House Resolution 1487, which calls for the recognition and action to be taken against the harm associated with restraints in schools.

The bill states from 2017 to 2018, there were 70,833 public school students who were subjected to physical restraints. Since 2009, 20 student fatalities have been linked to "incorrect restraint techniques," per the bill.

In addition to the physical harm, the bill also cites emotional and mental harm such as impeding brain development, sleep issues, learning issues, and a "lasting distrust of adults and authority figures" among other examples.

The bill also cautions the effects restraints can have on educators and other adults in school systems, stating they may experience "secondary trauma as a result of witnessing or administering restraints on a child."

The resolution calls on states to prohibit the practice in an effort to "create a safer learning environment and increase transparency between schools and families."