North Dakota Enacts Phone-Free Policy for K-12 Schools

North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signed House Bill 1160, mandating all K-12 public schools implement a 'bell-to-bell' phone-free policy, requiring students to stow away personal electronic devices from the start to the end of the school day. The law, which takes effect August 1, is intended to minimize distractions from cell phones and social media during instructional time, with supporters arguing it will improve student focus, academic success, and mental health. The legislation was passed with strong bipartisan support after amendments and advocacy from educators and lawmakers, responding to growing concerns about student well-being and classroom disruptions. Schools will also have access to grants for purchasing lock-away devices to securely store phones, and may extend restrictions to school events and transportation. Supporters emphasize the new law aligns North Dakota with at least 25 other states that have enacted similar electronics policies, reflecting teachers’ increasing concerns about student mental health and learning environments. The move has been widely described by state leaders as one of the most impactful legislative actions of the session.