SALT LAKE CITY — FOX 13 News has learned that the Utah State Legislature is considering a bill that would restrict cell phone use by students in the classroom.
This is a response to complaints that smartphones and other electronic devices are increasingly distracting children when they should actually be learning.
“When I was a kid, we didn’t let people bring Game Boys, Nintendo Switches or movie screens to school. But now we do because they’re now just part of a phone,” said Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan. “And that’s causing a problem in schools. So yes, we’re seriously considering what we need to do to make sure that cell phones in school aren’t a distraction, a disruption to instruction and a detriment to mental health.”
Senator Fillmore confirmed to FOX 13 News that he is planning a bill that would impose some level of restrictions on children’s phone access in school. He said the details of the bill are still being worked out, but it could range from restrictions to an outright ban.
“Schools have a lot of leeway, but we will make it very clear that mobile phones must not disrupt lessons,” he said.
Schools across Utah have different rules. At Red Mountain Elementary in Ivins, principal Jennifer Leavitt said cell phones are allowed, but they must remain in backpacks and turned off. Students can access them before and after school.
“That’s the biggest concern for parents, being able to contact them before and after school,” she told FOX 13 News.
Teachers have said enforcement is difficult because children secretly look at their screens. But previous attempts to restrict cellphone access on Capitol Hill in Utah have failed, largely because parents fear being able to reach their children in an emergency.
On Friday, parents FOX 13 News spoke to largely supported some restrictions.
“When they come to school, they should concentrate on their lessons and not use the phone,” said Angel Thammavongsa, the father of a middle school student. “Yes, I think they should limit their phone use, except in an emergency to call their parents or something like that.”
Chris Wilcox agreed, saying he recently talked to his middle school student about cell phone use in class.
“I think they distract kids too much in class, and they’re distracted enough at home,” he said. “They don’t need that in school. Asking a kid to turn it off during class when they’re still allowed to do that between classes is no big deal in my opinion. The idea of them leaving it on during class I think is pretty disrespectful anyway.”
Senator Fillmore said he plans to hold a press conference next week to introduce his bill. The bill is supported by groups like The Policy Project, which focuses on children’s health and policy issues. The bill will be considered in the 2025 legislative session in January.
