§ 70-1-126 — Use of cell phones and personal electronic devices in

schools. A. As used in this section: 1. “Bell to bell” means the time between the first bell ringing at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bell at the end of the school day to end instructional time; and 2. “Personal electronic device” means a personal device capable of connecting to a smart phone, the Internet, or a cellular or Wi-Fi network, or directly connecting to another similar device. Personal electronic devices include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart headphones, laptops, tablets, and smart glasses. Personal electronic devices shall not include school-issued or school- approved devices that are specifically limited for use in classroom instruction. B. 1. For the 2025-2026 school year, each school district board of education shall adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices while on the campus of a public school district from bell to bell. The policy shall include disciplinary procedures for violations. 2. For the 2026-2027 school year and each school year thereafter, each school district board of education may adopt a policy prohibiting students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices while on the campus of a public school district from bell to bell. C. The policy adopted pursuant to subsection B of this section may provide for exceptions including, but not limited to: 1. Emergency use of cell phones or personal electronic devices by students during the school day; and 2. Use of cell phones or personal electronic devices by students who use them to monitor health issues.

Legislative History

Added by Laws 2025, c. 30, § 1.