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Distracted-learning proposal draws mixed reaction; districts urge local flexibility and funding
Summary
The governor's proposed "distraction-free learning" initiative to limit student smartphone use in class received broad agreement on goals at hearings, but districts and unions pressed for local flexibility and additional funding to implement policies without straining school budgets.
A policy pushed in the executive budget to curb smartphones during instructional time drew substantial attention in committee hearings. Witnesses across the education sector largely supported the goal of reducing digital distraction and addressing student mental health and social harms tied to unfettered smartphone use, but urged that any statewide requirement include local flexibility and funding for implementation.
Why it matters: Teachers and principals said in testimony that limiting phone use during class time can raise attention and achievement and reduce bullying and anxiety tied to social media use. Several unions and district leaders said many schools have already adopted school- or district-level policies and are seeing benefits.
Operational challenges and funding: School officials cautioned that implementation can carry recurring costs. Suggested approaches include low-cost classroom procedures, lockable pouches for phones, or provision of secure lockers; each has different price and staffing implications. Representative cost examples mentioned at the hearing ranged up to about $30 per student for magnetic pouches or recurring personnel costs if schools require dedicated staff to manage collection and storage.
Local control and implementation: Superintendents and union leaders urged letting each school community tailor a policy — particularly at the high-school level where instructional uses of devices and parental communication needs are more common. Several witnesses asked lawmakers to fund a one-time implementation payment and to build in recurring support so schools are not asked to absorb costs from already constrained operating budgets.
Ending: Lawmakers will weigh broad public health and classroom benefits against operational complexity and budget tradeoffs. Committees may ask the Education Department for implementation guidance and an estimate of statewide costs before taking final action.
