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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
One Tennessee lawmaker is proposing legislation that would limit cell phone usage in classrooms with hopes of increased attentiveness and engagement.
State Representative Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka-District 64) filed House Bill 13 (HB0013) which would mandate that all school boards create district policies that would no longer allow students to use “wireless communication devices” during instructional time. The law would allow for specific exceptions.
“Fostering an environment of student engagement and focus during instructional periods is essential to a quality education,” Cepicky said. “Cellphone usage in the classroom presents an unnecessary distraction for students and is unfair to the hard-working teachers who are passionate about educating the next generation. This legislation will limit interruptions and empower Tennessee’s children to concentrate on learning, which can improve social skills, mental health, and academic performance.”
The bill does include provisions that would allow a student to access cellular devices for instructional purposes if approved by the teacher. Students would also be allowed to use them in emergency situations, for student health management, and for meeting the needs of students with disabilities.
Teachers would be allowed under the law to take devices from students who fail to comply with the policies.
Cepicky cited a study by the Pew Research Center that stated that more than 70% of high school teachers in the United States say the distraction of cell phone usage is a “major problem.”
Another referenced study from Scientific American showed that placing restrictions on cell phone use increases academic achievement.
However, the study from the Pew Research Center also stated that most high school teachers found it hard to enforce those policies.
The General Assembly will be back in session on January 14, 2025, to consider newly filed legislation.
One Response
Had WAAY more learning in class before cells.