Multiple US States Enforce Student Electronic Device Bans in Schools

Several U.S. states and school districts are implementing strict cell phone bans during school hours to reduce distractions and improve safety. Tennessee's House Bill 932 prohibits students from using personal electronic devices from bell to bell, with districts like Bradley County and Cleveland City Schools enforcing the policy to enhance focus and reduce cyberbullying, though some parents express concerns about limited communication during emergencies. Similarly, Texas' DeSoto ISD mandates devices be turned off and stored away, with escalated consequences for violations, while allowing exceptions for medical and instructional needs. Louisiana enforces a statewide law requiring students to keep devices off and out of sight, with accommodations for medical devices, and strict discipline policies are in place for noncompliance. New York's statewide "bell-to-bell" cellphone ban forbids phone use throughout the school day, including lunch and recess, with emergency contact routed through school offices and students using designated phones for communication. These policies reflect a broader trend toward minimizing digital distractions in classrooms, balanced with some flexibility for critical health and safety considerations.