Searcy, AR (LP) — People are talking up a storm about the new law that has been passed. Where phones are not allowed in class.  State lawmakers filed a bill Wednesday to ban smartphones from all Arkansas public schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The law, called the Phone-Free Schools Act, requires California’s 1,000 school districts, charter schools and county education offices to draft student cellphone policies by July 1, 2026. It leaves it up to local schools whether students should be banned from using cellphones altogether. Yes, Cell phones can be a useful tool in the classroom, but they can also be distracting. When used responsibly, phones can help students learn, collaborate, and access emergency services. 

What states have banned cellphones in schools? As of February 20, 2025, 13 states had enacted laws or policies on K-12 classroom or school cellphone usage. Seven states—California, Ohio, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia—ban or limit cellphones in classrooms. According to the latest findings from the School Pulse Panel (SPP), 77 percent of public schools prohibit students from using cell phones during any class, with a higher percentage of elementary schools (86 percent) implementing such a policy compared to high/secondary schools (55 percent).

What happens if you refuse to give your phone to a teacher? Refusing to give your phone to a teacher could result in disciplinary action, such as detention or a call to your parents.

Explanation

• Schools have rules and policies to ensure a safe learning environment.
• Schools typically prohibit using phones during class time and/or school hours. 
• Teachers can temporarily take your phone at school, but not permanently. 
• The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures of private property. 
• If your school has a search warrant, it can only search for evidence of the specific crime that you are suspected of breaking. 

As such, you are typically prohibited from using your phone during class time and/or school hours. Disciplinary action varies, but it may include the confiscation of your cellphone for a set period of time. Typically you will then receive your phone back at the end of class or the end of the school day.

By: Robbie Sequeira – February 24, 2025 5:00 am

In 2024, at least eight states — California, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia — either expanded or adopted policies or laws to curtail cellphone use in schools.

Can students be disciplined for something they say on social media during the school day?

If you say something on social media during school hours or at a school function or event that officials believe could lead to a “substantial disruption,” your school can discipline you.

What is the new bill banning phones in school?

On Monday, Gov. Gavin News-om signed Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phone-Free School Act, into law. It takes affect in 2026. “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression and other mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” 

(Katrena Baker) – I first want to say that I understand why the law was made and why the school is so adamant about phones being banned in the classroom. I also understand that there are some students (like myself) that aren’t on their phone as much as others. There are some people that NEED to have their phone taken away during class because otherwise they wouldn’t do their work. There are other students that get their work done for all of their classes and don’t have anything to do but be on their phone. There are other people (like myself) who usually have all their work done but choose to do something else other than be on their phone. I only use my phone to text people if I need to and listen to music/audio book of the book I’m reading that week. It’s really hard for some students to focus during class without the option of listening to music in class. Some teachers play music and that kind of helps, but some people want to listen to their music. Music helps a lot of people relax and focus. I understand that some people might take advantage of that and lie. Phones and social media are a problem with teens and I 100% understand why the state and the school are trying to ban them. I also know that it is a little excessive. The way things have been going this year so far, with the ban in the classroom but not in the halls in between classes or at lunch, the phones haven’t been as much of an issue in my opinion. Yes, there are still kids on their phone occasionally, but some teachers see it and choose not to say anything. Other (most) teachers get onto the students and they put their phones away. I don’t think the phones are enough of an issue that they need to issue the magnetic pouches to every student. Some do need to have their phone taken until their missing work is done, but I think they should get them back afterwards. I feel that the phones should only be taken when someone has a lot of missing work and is actively not doing it, not completely and for the whole day.