Lawmakers Push for Stricter Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools

Proposed legislation in Colorado and Washington, D.C., aims to limit classroom distractions and improve student focus and mental health.

Colorado lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill requiring school districts to limit cell phone and smartwatch use by July 2026, with exceptions for emergencies and safety concerns.
Washington, D.C., council members proposed a bill to ban all mobile devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, in public and charter schools starting next school year.
Both proposals aim to address classroom distractions, improve student engagement, and mitigate mental health challenges linked to excessive device use.
Colorado's bill allows districts flexibility in enforcement methods, while D.C.'s proposal emphasizes fostering in-person socialization among students.
Similar restrictions have been implemented in other states, including California and Virginia, reflecting a growing national trend toward limiting cell phone use in schools.