New Hampshire lawmakers consider statewide ban on cell phone use in classrooms

The New Hampshire House Education Policy and Administration Committee convened on January 23, 2025, to discuss House Bill 131, which proposes a ban on cell phone use in classrooms. The meeting featured various stakeholders, including educators and representatives, who presented their views on the implications of technology in education.

The session began with a discussion on the bill's provisions, highlighting a similar proposal by Representative Litchfield, which seeks to allocate $250,000 for competitive grants to help school districts manage the costs associated with implementing the ban. The committee emphasized the importance of local districts having the autonomy to decide on smartphone policies without needing to amend the proposed legislation.

Anne Marie Banfield, a key speaker, expressed her support for the bill, arguing that cell phones serve as distractions in classrooms and hinder students' learning. She criticized past educational reforms that de-emphasized the importance of memorizing basic skills, attributing negative impacts on math education to the reliance on technology. Banfield suggested that while technology can be beneficial, its overuse in schools has led to detrimental effects on students' ability to engage with traditional learning methods.

Banfield also shared insights from a local initiative where students unplugged from digital devices for a day, which reportedly fostered better social interactions and engagement among peers. She proposed that if the legislation could address the financial concerns of school districts regarding the implementation of the ban, it might alleviate parental apprehensions.

The discussion continued with Wendy Piper, a former state representative and current Grafton County Commissioner, who provided a perspective from her experience as a college professor. Piper noted that the excessive use of cell phones in high school settings often leaves students unprepared for the expectations of higher education, where such distractions are not tolerated.

Deborah Howes, president of the American Federation of Teachers New Hampshire, voiced her support for the bill, advocating for clear state parameters to guide local school districts in formulating their policies. She emphasized the need for exceptions for students with disabilities and those requiring phones for medical reasons.

The meeting concluded without any immediate resolutions, but the discussions highlighted a growing consensus among educators and representatives about the need to reevaluate the role of technology in classrooms. The committee plans to continue reviewing the bill and its implications for New Hampshire's educational landscape.