Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has introduced a bill that would restrict student cellphone use during the school day.
If passed, the legislation would establish a minimum standards that all Iowa school districts will be required to adopt by July 1, 2025.
“Cell phones are not only a distraction but a deterrent to development in the classroom,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Seven in 10 high school teachers say smartphones are a major problem and 80 percent of Gen Z students spend over six hours per day on their phone. Let’s return the classroom to a place for learning, growth, and connection to give students their best chance at success.”
The governor’s office noted that the Iowa Department of Education will provide sample policies that allow for potential common-sense exemptions. The Department of Education will also work with the Department of Public Safety to provide guidance and support for schools that need to update their school safety plans.
Some school districts in the state already have policies restricting student access to phones during the school day, and the new legislation would make this a state-wide policy.
“I appreciate Governor Reynolds’ commitment to support schools protecting the instructional time and keeping such time free from distractions,” Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts said.
“While cell phones are a part of our daily lives, they are also a distraction when used at the wrong time or place,” Roberts said. “In schools, a common-sense approach to limit their use will keep students more engaged and teachers even more effective in the classroom of every school district. In Des Moines, we are seeing some positive results from a pilot program limiting cell phone usage at Hoover High School that gives us hope that this can make a positive difference in Iowa schools.”
The legislation also requires “effects of social media” training for 6th-8th grade students.
