DES MOINES, Iowa — On Tuesday afternoon, Iowa lawmakers moved forward with a proposal that would set a statewide policy for limiting the use of cellphones in school buildings.

The bill is similar to policies already in place at the Ankeny Community School District, Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District and Roosevelt High School apart of Des Moines Public Schools. It looks to restrict student use of personal devices during classroom instructional time, while allowing for ways parents or guardians can communicate with their student during emergency situations.

“I applaud the various school districts who have led the way on the issue and especially the school districts like Des Moines and Ottumwa that have shared their success that they’ve seen in their school buildings so they could inspire others to follow suit,” said State Representative Jeff Shipley (R) District 87 from Van Buren County.

“We all know of the incredible distractions caused by cell phones and other electronic devices, I mean we all have one and we are constantly taking them out,” said State Representative Heather Matson (D) District 42, from Ankeny. “Imagine your children doing that all the time, oh yup you do. It happens. I believe that the evidence has shown restrictions are making a difference and for that I will be voting yes.”

The bill also requires districts to securely store a student’s personal electronic device when the school district is in possession of it, along with creating an avenue for parents to petition the district if a student needs to maintain access to the device related to the student’s physical or mental health.

“With digital distractions at an all-time high, we must ensure Iowa classrooms maintain environments where focus, learning, and productivity can truly thrive. Our students deserve the opportunity to learn free from the distraction of personal electronic devices.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

The governor included in her statement her thanks to the Iowa House chamber for passing the bill and pointed to the success of other district’s proven policies.

The bill passed 88-9 and now heads over to the Iowa Senate for consideration.

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