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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds plans to propose banning cellphones in K-12 classrooms in the upcoming legislative session. The governor believes that students deserve to learn without distractions from personal electronic devices. This proposal aims to prevent students from being distracted during instructional time and address concerns about mental health. Currently, eight states have statewide bans on cellphones in classrooms, with an additional 12 states considering legislation to restrict cellphone use in schools.
Senator Ken Rozenboom, who chairs the Senate’s Education Committee, has not considered introducing a ban on cellphones in classrooms. However, the Iowa House Republicans are open to discussions on the topic during the 2025 legislative session. Many teachers have expressed that cellphones are a significant distraction preventing students from learning effectively.
Several Eastern Iowa schools are also exploring policies on cellphone use in classrooms, following a national trend of restricting student cellphone use in schools. Hillcrest Academy in Kalona has already implemented a phone-free policy to reduce distractions and prioritize student mental health. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and College Community school districts are also researching the presence of cellphones in schools and potential policies.
The 2025 session of the Iowa Legislature starts on January 13, and Governor Reynolds is expected to address the issue in her annual State of the State speech on January 14. This proposed ban on cellphones in classrooms has sparked discussions among lawmakers, educators, and community members about the impact of electronic devices on student learning.
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