Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proposed a new measure that would prohibit the use of cellphones and other personal electronic devices in public schools in Arkansas beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.
“We have seen a staggering rise in mental illness among young people over the past decade. The culprit is clear: unrestricted access to smartphones and social media,” Governor Sanders stated. “After the overwhelming success of our phone-free schools pilot program, it’s clear that it’s time for Arkansas to ban smartphones, bell to bell, in every school in our state.”
The Bell to Bell, No Cell Act is a piece of legislation that aims to prohibit students from using personal electronic devices, such as cell phones and smartwatches, during the full school day, from the time they arrive to the time they leave.
This step is intended to address worries about distractions and the effect of technology on pupils’ ability to concentrate and perform academically.
If the proposed law is passed, every public school district in Arkansas will have to draft and publicize a clear policy regarding cell phone use on its websites.
These regulations must specify any exceptions to the general ban, including those for school-related functions, emergency situations, or specific needs such as health-related issues or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
“Arkansas kids deserve every advantage we as parents can give them, and helping them keep their heads in the game at school isn’t just good for their mental health. It will improve the quality of their education overall, making them more prepared for the challenges of life. Disconnecting students from doom-scrolling on big tech social media platforms during school is common sense and will help with their social and emotional health,” Senator Tyler Dees stated.
The measure acknowledges the significance of making provisions for specific requirements and permitting a degree of flexibility, especially in situations where technology is essential for education or health care.
The legislation is based on a previous endeavor by Governor Sanders, which was the phone-free schools pilot program that was started last summer.
This program gave money to school districts who took part in it so that they could buy containers where students may keep their phones during school hours.
The success of this pilot program has opened the door for the proposed statewide ban, which is in line with the increasing number of schools that are trying to reduce distractions from technology in the classroom.
The Bell to Bell, No Cell Act seeks to create a more focused and effective learning environment by prohibiting the use of smartphones and other personal devices during school hours.
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However, the bill also recognizes that there may be instances in which students require access to their gadgets, and it guarantees that exceptions will be made in certain situations.
Governor Sanders is making a strong statement about the importance of technology in school by prioritizing academic engagement over distractions caused by technology.
“I think we can all agree cell phones are a serious distraction for students. This legislation will limit that distraction so that phones do not interfere with the learning process,” Representative Jon Eubanks stated.
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