Senator Moriarty's Bill to Establish Cell Phone Use Policies in Schools passes Senate Education Committee

In today’s digital age, the use of cell phones and social media by students during school hours presents both opportunities and challenges. That is why Senator Moriarty’s bill aims to strike a balance by providing schools with tools to address these challenges while prioritizing student well-being and academic success.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Statewide Policy Development: The Commissioner of Education will establish a consistent policy for grades K-12 to regulate cell phone and social media use in schools, on buses, and at school events.

• Age-Appropriate Guidelines: Policies will be tailored to different grade levels, with clear rules to limit non-academic use during instructional time.

• Support for Students with Special Needs: Ensures accommodations for students with health conditions or disabilities in line with federal laws.

• Emergency and Safety Provisions: Allows phone use in emergencies or when necessary for safety concerns.

• District Tools and Flexibility: Offers schools options for device management, such as locked pouches, and guidance on restricting social media access. Districts can also adopt stricter policies to meet local needs.

  
  

This initiative reflects growing global attention to the impact of technology on education. Similar policies have been implemented in other states, helping to improve classroom focus and student well-being.

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