On Monday, January 27, Utah lawmakers introduced a highly anticipated bill aimed at banning cell phones in the state’s public schools. Senate Bill 178, dubbed the “Devices in Public Schools” act, is designed to implement a statewide cell phone ban while allowing individual school districts to set exceptions for certain situations such as emergencies or specific student needs.
Under the provisions of the bill, school districts will be required to establish policies that outline when cell phone use is permissible. The bill allows for exceptions, including responding to an “imminent threat,” participating in a “school-wide emergency,” or using the SafeUT Crisis Line. Additionally, the bill permits cell phone use for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or those requiring accommodations for medical reasons.
The legislation, spearheaded by Senator Lincoln Fillmore (R-Salt Lake) in collaboration with The Policy Project, aims to curb the increasing distraction posed by smartphones and other electronic devices in classrooms. The proposed law would prohibit the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other emerging technologies during instructional hours, including both in-person and virtual classrooms. However, students would still be allowed to use their devices during non-instructional periods, such as lunch, recess, study halls, after-school activities, and between classes. Additionally, phones would be permitted if part of the approved curriculum.
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Fillmore, a longtime advocate for reducing distractions in schools, explained earlier this year that the bill seeks to create a more focused learning environment for students and relieve teachers from having to monitor phone use. “With the rise of social media and smartphone use, we’ve seen a significant impact on both the mental health of our students and the quality of their classroom experiences,” he said. “The goal of this legislation is to empower school districts, teachers, and students to create a more focused and productive learning environment.”
Currently, Utah allows local school districts to determine their own policies regarding cell phone use, but Senate Bill 178 would flip the existing framework. Instead of permitting phones with individualized district policies, the bill mandates a statewide ban and requires districts to establish clear guidelines for exceptions.
Emily Bell McCormick, President of The Policy Project, expressed her support for the bill, citing the growing issues related to smartphone use in schools. “Smartphones have become a major distraction in Utah schools—disrupting classroom environments, decreasing academic performance, and contributing to bullying and social isolation,” she stated. “Parents, families, students, and teachers all need support in addressing this growing epidemic. We must take collective action to reset the norm around smartphones in schools.”
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The original version of the bill also included a provision that would have provided funding to school districts for purchasing lockboxes or locking pouches for students to store their phones during the day. While this funding request is not present in the latest draft of the bill, the focus remains on addressing the negative impacts of technology in the classroom.
The proposed legislation is expected to generate significant discussion and debate as it moves through the legislative process. If passed, Senate Bill 178 would reshape how Utah schools handle cell phone use, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more focused, productive learning environment for students across the state.
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