Senate Education committee backs bill asking Idaho school districts to adopt ‘‘distraction‑free’’ cell phone policies

The Senate Education Committee on Thursday recommended Senate Bill 1032 to the full Senate, endorsing legislation that would require every Idaho school district to assess the impact of students’ mobile devices and adopt a local ‘‘distraction‑free learning’’ policy by the end of the year.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Burnt, told the committee the measure does not prescribe a single statewide rule but instead directs districts to create policies tailored to local circumstances. "This proposed legislation requires that all school districts in Idaho assess the impact of mobile device usage on students and develop a policy that promotes distraction free learning," he said.

Committee members and witnesses focused on three themes: student mental health, classroom engagement and how districts should handle medical and individualized education program exceptions. Senator Burnt cited research and local results after attending lectures and visiting classrooms; multiple witnesses described improvements in behavior and engagement after districtwide phone policies were put in place.

Laura Stone, chair of the Blaine County School District Board of Trustees, described the district’s experience after a phone ban. "Teachers have noted higher levels of participation, focus, and fewer classroom disruptions," she told the committee. Valley View assistant superintendent Joey Palmer said his district…