Tennessee House requires school districts to prohibit cell phones during student instruction

A bill passed with bipartisan support in the Tennessee House requires schools to ban cell phones during instructional hours.(Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The Tennessee House overwhelmingly approved a measure Monday requiring schools to ban cell phone use when teachers are instructing students.

House Bill 932, sponsored by Republican Rep. Rebecca Alexander of Jonesborough, passed with bipartisan support on an 80-10 vote.

Although some school districts have had cell-phone policies for years to avert classroom distractions, Alexander said the state’s school superintendents association asked her to sponsor the bill. 

She explained that school districts will have to adopt a policy but will have the discretion to determine whether the ban is in effect during class time or the entire school day.

Some Democrats raised concerns that students wouldn’t be able to contact their parents during emergencies such as shootings.

But others, including Democratic Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis, said scientific studies show that constant use of cell phones causes children’s brains to develop differently, affecting their ability to grow up “naturally.”

Another Democrat, Rep. Caleb Hemmer of Nashville said he has received “positive” feedback from teachers and counselors in his children’s schools since they enacted a cell phone policy.

The bill, which also applies to tablet and laptop computers and gaming devices, authorizes teachers to let students use wireless communication devices for educational purposes during instructional time and during emergencies or to manage their health.

Students also would be permitted to use cell phones if they’re included in an individualized education program, typically for special education students.

District policies also must set a procedure for parents and guardians to be contacted during emergencies.