NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, today introduced legislation to limit cell phone usage and improve attentiveness in classrooms across Tennessee.
House Bill 13 requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt policies that prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, with certain exceptions.
“Fostering an environment of student engagement and focus during instructional periods is essential to a quality education,” Cepicky said. “Cell phone 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.”
House Bill 13 ensures students have access to cell phones if being used for educational purposes and approved by a teacher, in the event of an emergency or to manage a student’s health, and to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
The legislation would allow districts to authorize teachers to withhold devices from students who don’t comply with usage policies.
More than 70% of American high school teachers say that distractions by cell phones in the classroom is a “major problem,” according to Pew Research Center. Studies have concluded that enacting restrictions on cell phone usage during instructional periods increases academic performance, specifically for low-achieving students.
At least eight states have restrictions on cell phones in schools.
The 114th Tennessee General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Jan. 14, 2025.
