Utah Lawmakers Propose Classroom Cellphone Ban to Improve Student Focus

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Students in Utah's public schools may soon be required to keep their cellphones out of the classroom during school hours if a new bill is passed during the 2025 General Session. The bill, introduced by Senator Lincoln FillmoreSenator Lincoln Fillmore (R-District 17) and Representative Douglas Welton (R-Payson), aims to curb the negative effects of cellphone use on students' mental health and academic performance.

Currently, individual school districts in Utah set their own policies regarding cellphone use in classrooms. The proposed legislation would shift this approach, making the prohibition of cellphones the default policy statewide. However, schools would still have the option to allow cellphone use if they determine it benefits the educational process.

Senator Fillmore, one of the bill's primary sponsors, highlighted the growing concerns over the impact of smartphones on students' well-being and learning environments. "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," Fillmore stated. "The goal of this legislation is to empower school districts, teachers, and students to create a more focused and productive learning environment."

The bill is part of a broader effort led by Utah Governor Spencer Cox to address the influence of social media and smartphone use among students. In a press conference held in December 2023, Gov. Cox expressed his support for a ban on cellphones in K-12 classrooms, provided there were exceptions for medical emergencies. He emphasized the "overwhelming" evidence linking smartphones to learning loss and other educational challenges.

Emily Bell McCormick, president of The Policy Project, a nonprofit organization supporting the bill, described the pervasive issues caused by cellphone use in schools. "Cellphones have become a major distraction in Utah schools—disrupting classroom environments, decreasing academic performance, and contributing to bullying and social isolation," McCormick explained. She urged for collective action to address what she described as a growing epidemic.

Representative Welton echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of minimizing distractions to improve student engagement and academic outcomes. "I look forward to seeing how districts will create a more focused and productive learning environment for our students," Welton said, expressing optimism about the bill's potential positive impact.

The proposed ban on cellphones in classrooms is expected to be a key topic of discussion in the upcoming legislative session, as educators, parents, and policymakers debate the best approach to fostering a conducive learning environment for Utah's students.