A bill that would instruct Arizona’s public school districts to create and enforce policies that limit student cell phone use is moving forward at the state Legislature.
The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved the bill that says the state’s public and charter school governing boards must create policies that govern student access to the internet and restrict access to social media platforms, unless they’re used for educational purposes. They must also limit the use of wireless communications devices during the school day.
Rebecca Beebe is with the Arizona School Administrators. She testified in support of the bill.
“We support [HB 2484] because it strikes the right balance between mandating something on a district and respecting the local authority and needs of a school," Beebe said.
That means some districts may allow each school to adopt their own policy or they could choose to set standards district wide.
The bill also includes an amendment that allows students to use their phones under certain circumstances, like in an emergency or if they have a medical condition.
