Public commenter urges classroom cellphone ban; Rep. Cassidy says lawmakers will study school-issued devices

A public commenter urged officials to ban personal cellphones in classrooms, saying that not using phones "sets that student up for success" and that school administrators should control communications during emergencies so students follow protocol.

The commenter cited the National Association of School Resource Officers as supporting the approach that adults in the building should manage emergency communications and that students would have the opportunity to call parents at an appropriate time. The commenter also asked whether the group would consider rules for school-issued devices such as Chromebooks and tablets.

Representative Cassidy responded that researchers, educators and neuroscientists around the country are studying how device use affects developing brains — "at what age should we introduce that? ... how often should kids be using those devices? And for what types of activities, right?" — and said those questions are worth digging into. Cassidy added that whether the work results in formal legislation next session is not yet decided.

When asked whether the policy might extend to school buses, a speaker who identified themselves as a school person said that topic had not been part of current discussions; respondents said it could be considered in future sessions and that parents would likely offer input.

The discussion did not include a formal vote or a final policy decision; participants said the matter will be revisited and that officials are weighing accountability and transparency measures as they consider changes to classroom device rules.