Senator Bolick Celebrates New Law Addressing Cellphone Distractions Among Students During Class Time
- Arizona Senate Republicans
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 14, 2025
Senator Bolick Celebrates New Law Addressing
Cellphone Distractions Among Students During Class Time
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Shawnna Bolick is celebrating today's signing of a bill she helped champion to improve focus and mitigate mental health concerns among Arizona children by cracking down on cellphone distractions during class time.
HB 2484 adopted language from SB 1226, sponsored by Senator Bolick, requiring school districts to develop and implement policies to limit students' use of wireless communications devices during the school day. This includes cellphones, iPads, and other computers, either personal devices or those provided by schools. The bill creates notable exceptions and still provides parents with the ability to communicate with their children when they need to.
72% of U.S. high school teachers say cellphones are a major problem in their classrooms. States across the country are responding by implementing restrictions on cellphones in schools to help end detrimental distractions and foster a healthy learning environment for students. California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Virginia are among the red and blue states that have already adopted policies limiting cellphone use in the classroom. Arizona now becomes the latest state to take action.
"Many students are using their devices to scroll through social media platforms, play games, watch videos, and text message their friends, instead of engaging in classroom discussions and curriculums," said Senator Bolick. "Bullying, plagiarism, and cheating are all common consequences of allowing children unfettered access to cellphones and iPads during instruction time. Our kids are suffering from poor academic performance, anxiety, and depression as a result. I'm thrilled I was able to influence meaningful improvements to HB 2484 through my original SB 1226 so that it would be signed into law. I look forward to taking further action to help ensure our kids are protected and set up for success to navigate the challenges life throws at them in a productive way."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus