Representative Chad Caldwell’s House Bill 1276 requires school boards to set cell phone policies which would reduce the distraction of cell phones and digital devices in the classroom. The policy has been nicknamed “Bell to Bell, No Cell.” The House Common Education Committee passed the measure this week.
“Data clearly shows the alarming effects of social media and smartphone usage by young people, as well as academic declines when phones are allowed in schools,” Caldwell said. “This bill would allow schools the ability to craft their own policies to prohibit the use of cell phones and smartwatches during the school day starting next school year. Schools maintain control, but students reap the benefits.”
The policies adopted by school boards must also include provisions of emergency and medical use.
Keeping cell phones out of the classroom has become a more popular issue among lawmakers over the past couple of years. Senator Ally Seifried also has Senate Bill 139 to address cell phone use in the classroom. Governor Kevin Stitt also mentioned the policy in his State of the State Address on Monday.
“Going ‘bell to bell, no cell’ is about creating a learning environment where students are not continuously distracted by their devices, and Representative Caldwell has done a tremendous job rallying support for this bill,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert. “It’s time our classrooms return to being places of learning, not distractions. House Bill 1276 gives Oklahoma’s schools the flexibility to set policies that fit their needs while reinforcing a simple goal—to let kids be kids and let teachers teach.”
HB 1276 now heads to the House Education Oversight Committee for consideration. If approved, it can then move to the House floor under the new House rules.
