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Principals back flavored‑tobacco ban and many favor school cell‑phone limits, tell senators
Summary
Principals told the committee they support banning flavored tobacco products and many of their members favor restricting student cell‑phone use during school hours; they described increased vaping incidents and classroom disruption.
School leaders told the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 24 that two school‑house issues — youth vaping and student cell‑phone use — are harming instruction and student well‑being.
Why it matters: Witnesses said vaping has become widespread and disruptive, leading principals to take extra supervision steps; they also reported that many districts that have limited phones observed reduced distraction and anxiety among students.
What was said: Jay Nichols said the VPA “have supported banning flavored tobacco products.” He described principals who “are sitting outside bathrooms and desks” to catch vaping and said the association hopes the Legislature will reintroduce a ban after prior vetoes. On cell phones, Nichols said a majority of principals surveyed would like a state policy restricting phones between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., with local exceptions for instructional uses. He described local enforcement approaches such as warnings, daytime confiscation and parent pickup after repeated offenses.
Context: Witnesses said some districts use pouches, lockers or backpacks to store phones, but noted not every school has lockers and enforcement approaches vary by district resources. Several senators asked whether a statewide mandate would be an unfunded mandate; witnesses said local solutions can work but recommended state resources where needed.
Ending: Witnesses urged lawmakers to weigh a flavored‑tobacco ban and to consider enabling or funding options for districts that move to restrict phones during school hours.
