Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill into law on Friday that will eliminate cell phone use in the classroom for Utah students this upcoming school year.
To benefit their students, Gov. Spencer Cox is urging all Utah educators to consider banning cell phones from their classrooms (Image courtesy of Facebook).
“I’m pleased to sign S.B. 178, Devices in Public Schools, because it puts students’ well-being and focus at the center of classroom learning,” Governor Cox said. “Phones have become a major distraction, and this bill thoughtfully resets the default to encourage healthier, more connected learning environments — while still leaving room for local decision-making. I’m grateful to the students, parents, and teachers who spoke up in favor of this effort, and I believe this law will help more young Utahns stay present, engaged, and connected at school.”
SB 178 allows for local control by requiring Local Education Agencies, which would be the local school district, to make policies that limit the use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other emerging technology in school classrooms. If an LEA does not create a policy, the law now requires the school to follow the default policy — which is that devices are not permitted in classrooms. There are exceptions to the policy, such as use in cases of threats or emergencies, a student’s Individualized Educational Plan or Section 504 plan, and as a medical necessity. The law also allows LEA to extend restrictions to non-classroom hours during the school day, such as lunch periods, in between classes, and other school-supervised activities. Additionally the law states the state board may create model policies for schools and districts to follow.
The Policy Project stated in a news release it will gather existing Utah schools and districts’ device policies and use feedback from schools to develop resources and a model policy guide to help with implementation.
“Ultimately, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for schools to shift the culture around phone use and help students reengage with learning,” The Policy Project wrote in a statement.
The bill was officially signed into law on March 25 and will go into effect July 1.