House Education hears testimony on H.54 to limit student smartphone and social-media use during school hours

The Vermont House Education Committee met April 17, 2025, for a hearing on H.54, legislation proposing restrictions on students' use of smartphones and certain social-media communication during the school day. Witnesses including Michael Graeth of the Vermont Principals Association and parents testified on mental-health concerns, classroom uses of phones, and practical questions about implementation.

Supporters told the committee they see rising anxiety, sleep disruption and other harms linked to smartphones and social media. “I used to feel a little bit more like a voice in the wilderness, with my concern over digital addiction,” said Michael Graeth, associate executive director of the Vermont Principals Association, noting he had talked with roughly 75 school leaders in recent weeks and assembled examples of school policies. Graeth described both district-level bans and a variety of local practices, from teacher-managed use to physical lockboxes for phones.

The bill's language and practical effects were a focus. Committee member Pat summarized the bill as…