Multiple States Propose Cellphone Bans in Schools Amid Student Concerns

Across the United States, a wave of proposed legislation and enacted policies is targeting cellphone use in public schools. In Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene School District has implemented a ban requiring students to keep their phones off and stored away during the school day, a move that has sparked a student petition against the policy. Arkansas lawmakers are advancing the 'Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,' which aims to eliminate personal devices in public schools, citing improved student engagement and reduced disciplinary issues in pilot programs. Meanwhile, Utah's Senate is considering a bill that would enforce a default cellphone ban unless schools create their own usage policies, while Nebraska's Legislative Bill 140 seeks to prohibit cellphone use during school hours, emphasizing the need to minimize distractions. Alaska is also seeing bipartisan support for a similar ban, with advocates highlighting the positive impacts on learning and student behavior. These initiatives reflect a growing concern over the influence of technology on student health and academic performance.