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DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to reduce student distraction caused by cell phones and foster a healthier learning environment. HB25-1135 passed by a vote of 49 to 16.
“With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to creating healthier learning environments for our students by limiting distractions caused by cell phones, " said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As an educator, I know reducing classroom distractions is essential for fostering a learning environment where students are focused on the material, asking questions and learning alongside their peers in person. This bipartisan bill empowers school districts to create their own student cell phone use policy to limit distractions and boost engagement.”
HB25-1135 is also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County. This bill aims to reduce cell phone-related distractions in classroom settings while promoting mental health among Colorado students. HB25-1135 encourages local control by allowing districts to consider their own guidelines when creating their district level policy. This bill would not impose a statewide ban on student cell phone use in Colorado’s public K-12 schools.
Under this bill, school districts would create their own policy for student cell phone use in a K-12 setting. Policies must accommodate students with disabilities, and those who rely on phones for healthcare needs or learning purposes.
Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools can have negative effects on performance, including lower test scores and smaller learning gains. Additionally, cell phone use is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety.
From Florida to Ohio, at least 19 states have laws or policies that prohibit or limit the use of student cell phone use in schools or encourage districts to create their own policies as a best practice.