WASHINGTON — Last week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Supporting Focus in Schools Act, legislation that would help public schools limit classroom cell phone use by creating a grant program to cover the costs of phone storage and teacher training.
“Kids are getting phones younger and younger, and we’re seeing the consequences in the classroom: more distractions, less learning. As a dad of three young kids, I worry about the repercussions this has for their future,” said Senator Gallego. “It’s time to get cell phones out of the classroom. Kids should engage with what they’re learning — without a phone constantly pulling their attention away.”
The Supporting Focus in Schools Act would create a grant program under the Department of Education to support restricting the use of cellular phones and other personal electronic devices at Title I schools during instructional time. Funding may be used to purchase equipment for the program, such as lockers and phone pouches, and to provide training for teachers and administrators.
Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the school administrator regarding:
- Cell phone usage by students for medical purposes or emergencies.
- School laptops and other electronic devices used for instruction and provided by the school.
Last month, Senator Gallego announced his education titled “Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System,” aimed at focusing on strengthening our public school system to ensure the success of our students as they move into the workforce.
Read the full text of the bill HERE.