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Committee approves K–8 "bell-to-bell" ban on student cellphones
Summary
A House education committee approved House Bill 340 (LC492272S), prohibiting student cellphones during the school day for kindergarten through eighth grade with limited exceptions; the measure passed by voice vote and advances to the full chamber.
A House education committee on Oct. 27 approved House Bill 340 (LC492272S), a proposal that would prohibit students in kindergarten through eighth grade from carrying or using personal cellphones during the school day, while preserving exceptions for students with individualized education plans and virtual charter students and allowing school-owned devices for instruction.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Scott Hilton, told the committee the measure is designed to reduce distractions, improve academic performance and help school safety in emergencies. "Bell to bell, no cell," Hilton said, describing the policy’s intended scope as kindergarten through eighth grade. He told the committee, "In an average school day, a child receives over 237 notifications on their phone," and said some students spend "upwards of 90…
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