The Colorado legislative session is buzzing with discussions around House Bill 25-1135, which aims to reshape cellphone use policies across the state’s schools. The initiative, introduced recently, aims to mandate all school districts to formulate their own regulations on cellphone usage during school hours. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, lawmakers are concerned about their impact on learning and student well-being.
The bill is being championed by State Representative Meghan Lukens (D), who emphasizes the need for educators to focus on teaching rather than battling smartphone distractions. “I taught high school, and on average, I could see up to 150 students per day, and cellphones were a constant nuisance,” Lukens said. “We’re just trying to teach students. We’re just trying to help maximize student learning potential, and I personally saw cellphones taking away fromthat.”
Joining Lukens is State Senator Lisa Frizell (R), who echoed similar sentiments about the importance of local control. “We must prioritize our youth andensurethat they are both safe and have alearning environment where they can succeed,” Frizell stated. The significance of local governance is particularly emphasized, as districts will be entrusted to adapt cellphone policies according to their unique challenges and settings.
Student safety is also at the forefront of the conversation, as expressed by fourth-grader Trinity Chandler. While she advocates for no cellphone use during lessons, she highlights the necessity for phones during emergencies. “If we have alockdown, there should be arule where if you turn your sound off, then you should be able to [use your phone],” she said. Trinity's perspective resonates with many parents who share her concerns about safety and connectivity during crises.
Trinity's mother, Deborah, reinforces this, saying, “It gives her asense of safety and security, and it gives methat same sense, too.” Parents like Deborah see value in allowing students to have access to their phones for emergencies, underscoring the delicate balance lawmakers must navigate between limiting distractions and ensuring student safety.
The legislative proposal has gained traction amid notable research, supporting its foundational argument. An array of studies suggest mobile phones not only hinder students' focus but also contribute to mental health issues and lower academic performance. According to findings shared by the Colorado Education Association, students confined to classrooms without their phones can recollect material more effectively, not to mention enhanced note-taking skills.
This increasing body of research has illuminated the need for clear, enforceable regulations. Following the bill's introduction, the Colorado Attorney General's Office announced financial support for schools seeking to enforce such policies. Each participating district may be eligible for grants amounting to $50,000 to aid the transition to these new norms. “If HB25-1135 were to become law, Colorado school districts would have untilJuly 2026 to develop aplans,” sources reported.
Currently, some districts are leading the charge with their own cellphone policies. For example, Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) recently expanded its policy to create what they call a “bell-to-bell ban.” The aim is clear: students are prohibited from using their phones from the beginning of the school day until the end. This decision, rooted firmly within BVSD’s approach to learning, is reportedly leading to improvements in student interactions and focus.
Principal Addie Arnell of Colorado Springs School District 11 shared her school’s experience since instituting their first ‘no phone’ policy last August. “Kids are interacting a lot more. Hallways are actually louder. Our kids self-reportedthat our engagement is up and their sense of belonging was up,” Arnell noted. The policy, which requires students to lock their phones in magnetic pouches throughout the day, has been met with mixed feelings from parents, who voice concerns over the potential limitations on communication during emergencies.
Despite these concerns, many educators are optimistic about the measurable improvements and enhanced environments created by restricting cellphone use. “It’s tough anytime there’s a change,” Arnell remarked, acknowledging the adjustment is challenging yet beneficial for the students’ overall wellbeing.
School districts like Mesa County School District 51 have similarly revised their policies, aiming to cultivate attention-rich educational atmospheres. Under their updated guidelines, students must keep personal electronic devices secured during instructional hours, thereby fostering engagement and attention within the classroom.
With the bill currently under consideration, its successful passage could mark the beginning of significant changes across Colorado's educational institutions. If implemented widely, the outlined strategies could reshape the way smartphone culture manifests inside school walls, prioritizing student safety and educational outcomes.