DENVER, CO – A new bipartisan bill is being introduced in Colorado’s legislature to require all school districts to establish policies on student cellphone use during school hours. The bill’s goal is to minimize classroom distractions, improve academic performance, and support student mental health. If passed, this legislation will give school districts the freedom to create policies tailored to their specific needs while ensuring that all schools implement some level of restriction on cellphone use.
The Need for Cellphone Regulations in Schools
State Representative Meghan Lukens, one of the bill’s sponsors, has firsthand experience with the issue. As a former high school teacher, Lukens encountered daily struggles with students distracted by their phones. “We’re just trying to maximize student learning potential, and I personally saw cellphones taking away from that,” Lukens said.
Research supports these concerns. Studies show that students retain more information and take better notes when they are not using their phones in class. Additionally, banning mobile phones has been linked to improved academic outcomes, especially for struggling students.
A National Educator Association survey revealed that 90% of teachers support a classroom policy that limits phone use. Many educators believe that reducing cellphone access would enhance focus and overall student engagement.
How the Proposed Bill Works
Rather than enforcing a statewide one-size-fits-all ban, the bill allows each school district to develop its own cellphone policy. This approach ensures that policies align with each district’s unique challenges, size, and student population.
State Senator Lisa Frizell, another supporter of the bill, emphasized the importance of local control. “This legislation encourages school districts, parents, and students to collaborate on policies that best serve their communities,” Frizell said. The bill acknowledges that different districts may have varying needs, whether they opt for a full ban during school hours or simply restrict phone use in certain areas.
Current Cellphone Policies in Colorado Schools
Some Colorado school districts have already implemented cellphone restrictions. The Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has introduced a strict “bell-to-bell ban,” prohibiting students from using phones at any point during the school day, including lunch and passing periods. School officials report that this policy has led to more face-to-face interactions among students and increased attention to academics.
Littleton Public Schools also enforce cellphone restrictions, but their approach is less strict. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs School District 11 has adopted a unique strategy by requiring middle and high school students to keep their phones locked in pouches during the day, ensuring they cannot use them until school is over.
Concerns About Emergencies
Some parents and students worry about not having access to their phones in case of emergencies. Fourth-grade student Trinity Chandler believes phones should not be used during class but should be accessible during emergencies. “If we have a lockdown, I need to be able to call the police or text my parents,” she said.
Lukens acknowledges these concerns and wants to work with school districts to find solutions. Many schools already have emergency procedures that discourage cellphone use during lockdowns to avoid drawing attention to students’ locations.
State Incentives for Restricting Phone Use
In a separate but complementary move, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office is offering a $50,000 grant to school districts that implement cellphone restrictions in classrooms. Attorney General Phil Weiser has voiced his support for policies that limit phone use, stating that such measures promote a more focused learning environment.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill is expected to be introduced in the Colorado legislature soon. If passed, school districts will have until July 2026 to develop and implement their cellphone policies. Lawmakers believe that establishing clear guidelines on phone use will help create more engaging, distraction-free classrooms while still allowing districts flexibility in policy-making.
As the debate continues, educators, parents, and lawmakers will have to balance the need for student safety with the benefits of minimizing distractions in schools. One thing is clear—cellphone use in schools is a growing concern, and Colorado is taking steps to address it.
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