Education advocates expect Tennessee lawmakers to propose legislation on cell phones in schools [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Education advocates said they expect Tennessee lawmakers to propose legislation that could ban cell phones in schools. The next legislative session is expected to start on Jan. 14, 2025. Advocates said proposals about students’ cell phone use may range from total bans to guidelines for individual school districts.

“We expect that to be one of the first bills filed in the next legislative session,” said JC Bowman, with Professional Educators of Tennessee. “I do see a policy, particularly among early grades, to ban them. Probably putting some real restrictions on middle school.”

Twelve other states have passed laws on cell phone use in schools, and three states have passed laws banning cell phones from schools. Lawmakers in some of those states said the laws are meant to limit distractions, prevent …