Arkansas Senate Bill 142 bans student use of cellphones during school hours

ARKANSAS (KTAL/KMSS) — A new Arkansas state law will ban the use of electronic devices during the school day.

Senate Bill 142, also known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” prohibits students from possessing cell phones or other personal electronic devices during school hours. The new law aims to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment.

Students will not be able to have or use any items throughout the entire day. This includes lunch, recess, and all other transitions during school hours. Devices are considered in possession if they are being held or visible, carried in a pocket, worn on the body, or accessed while inside a backpack.

Students can only have devices that are powered off and stored inside backpacks without being accessed throughout the day.

Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to:

• Cell Phones
• Smart Watches
• Bluetooth-enabled earbuds/headphones
• Tablets or laptops not issued by the
  school
• Portable gaming consoles
• Digital media players
• Video or audio recording device

Students can possess and use electronic devices under certain conditions. This includes a documented health requirement by a medical professional, a device that is issued by the school, authorized use during a school-related event, extracurricular activities, or in the event of an emergency.