Summary
Requires a study on how cell phones affect students and creates a test program giving money to schools that want to be phone-free.
What problem does this solve?
Many people are worried that students using cell phones at school might be hurting their learning and mental health. This bill orders a study to find out the effects and helps schools test out being phone-free by giving them money for secure phone storage.
What does this bill do?
Mandates a study on mobile device impact
Directs the Surgeon General to study how mobile device use in elementary and secondary schools affects student learning, mental health, and classroom behavior.
Establishes a grant program for mobile device-free schools
Creates a pilot program that gives grants to schools to buy secure containers and lockers, helping them create an environment where student mobile devices are stored away during school hours.
Allows exemptions for certain students
Permits schools in the pilot program to allow mobile device use for students with health conditions, students with disabilities, and English learners who need them for translation.
Requires parental notification and feedback
Requires schools applying for the grant to notify parents at least 30 days before applying and to ask for their feedback on the plan to become a mobile device-free school.
Authorizes $5 million in funding
Approves $5 million to be spent on this program for the fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
Who does this affect?
- Students in elementary and secondary schools
- Parents of students
- Teachers and school administrators
What is the real world impact?
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Improves student focus and mental health
Aims to understand and reduce the negative impacts of mobile devices on student learning, mental well-being, and classroom behavior by helping schools create a distraction-free environment.
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Creates logistical challenges for schools
Implementing a mobile device-free policy requires schools to manage the storage and security of hundreds of devices, which could create new administrative burdens and costs not fully covered by the grant.
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Limits student communication in emergencies
While schools must have communication plans, removing personal mobile devices could worry parents who want to be able to contact their children directly, especially during a school emergency.
When does this start?
This bill sets several deadlines, including a two-year timeline for a study on mobile device use in schools.
Surgeon General's study completion
The Surgeon General must complete the study on mobile device use in schools no later than 2 years after the bill becomes law.
Parental notification before grant application
Schools must notify parents about their plan to apply for the grant at least 30 days before submitting the application.
Program funding period
Authorizes funding for the pilot program for the period of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.