Multiple States Move to Ban Cell Phones in Schools

Recent legislative movements across the U.S. reflect a growing trend towards restricting student cell phone use in schools. In Michigan, House Bill 4141 was introduced to limit cell phone access based on grade levels, potentially gaining bipartisan support following Governor Gretchen Whitmer's endorsement. Similarly, Tennessee's House Bill 932, which received unanimous approval in the Senate, mandates that school districts develop policies banning cell phones and other wireless devices during instructional time, while allowing for exceptions for emergencies and students with disabilities. A Pew Research survey revealed 68% of U.S. adults support such bans, with many parents concerned about maintaining contact with their children. In New York, the state teachers' union is advocating for a proposed cell phone ban, signaling similar sentiments towards classroom distractions. These developments indicate a significant push towards establishing stricter device usage policies in educational settings across various states.