Utah lawmakers are taking steps to reduce distractions in the classroom by implementing new restrictions on the use of technology.
Senate Bill 178 aims to ban the use of cell phones, smartwatches, and other emerging technologies during classroom hours.
Nicole Heath, a parent and biology teacher at Utah Online School, believes that phones will continue to be a presence in classrooms, regardless of any legislation. She suggests that educators should find ways to incorporate technology rather than trying to eliminate it.
"I personally think that cell phones are not going to go anywhere, so as an educator, I kind of try to incorporate them," said Heath.
The bill does not mandate that schools completely ban phones. Instead, it shifts the approach, requiring schools to start with restrictions unless they choose to allow phones in the classroom. Under current practices, schools have no default restrictions on phone usage.
Milian Venegas, a student at Timpview High School, believes that the new legislation could have positive effects on student interactions. He said he’s already seen the benefits of existing cell phone policies at his school and thinks the bill will help students reconnect with each other.
“If this policy is able to be passed, I think I can really reconnect with my peers again, like we did in elementary school, and that’s something that I miss,” Venegas shared.
If signed by the governor, the bill will take effect on July 1, giving schools time to adjust their policies.