H.R. 2700: Utilize No Phones in Learning to Unleash Growth in Grades and Educate Distraction-free Act of 2025

This bill, known as the "Utilize No Phones in Learning to Unleash Growth in Grades and Educate Distraction-free Act of 2025," proposes to require state educational agencies to put in place policies that prohibit students from using or possessing personal mobile phones and other electronic devices in public school classrooms during school hours. Here are the key elements of the bill:

Findings

The bill notes several findings that support the need for this legislation:

• Public education is vital for the nation’s economic vitality, security, and democracy.
• Disruptions in education can affect national productivity and workforce development.
• Excessive mobile phone use during school hours disrupts effective learning environments.
• Research shows that mobile phone usage in classrooms negatively impacts attention, academic performance, and mental health.
• The bill emphasizes that trends in mobile phone usage correlate with increased anxiety, depression, and lower academic results among students.
• Reducing mobile phone access during school can help address educational and mental health issues.
• Mobile phones contribute to bullying, classroom distractions, and academic dishonesty.
• The challenges with mobile phone usage affect schools across the nation.
• Declining educational achievement can have broader consequences on the economy.

Sens of Congress

The bill expresses that state educational agencies, along with local agencies, should establish policies that:

• Allow parents to communicate with school officials about important issues regarding their children.
• Facilitate school communication with parents regarding time-sensitive matters.

Prohibition of Student Phone Possession

By the first school year after the bill becomes law, all state educational agencies must:

• Implement and enforce a policy to prohibit student possession or use of personal mobile phones and other electronic devices during school hours.
• Policies can include secure storage methods such as:
• Lockable lockers
• Secure lock boxes
• Magnetic pouches or signal-blocking storage devices
• Other appropriate storage solutions

Exceptions

The bill allows certain exceptions to the prohibition, including:

• Students with medical conditions requiring device use as part of their treatment, certified by a healthcare provider.
• Students with disabilities that require a mobile phone for educational purposes, documented in an individualized education program or Section 504 plan.
• Cases for English learners or students needing devices to facilitate instruction, following specific requirements.
• Other situations determined by state or local authorities as necessary.

Minimum Standards and Grant Program

The bill sets a minimum standard for mobile phone policies, allowing states to enact stricter regulations. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of Education to create a grant program to assist state agencies in buying and maintaining secure storage solutions as needed.

Definitions

The bill contains definitions for terms such as:

• Mobile phone: A handheld device with cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Personal electronic device: Includes mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and similar devices but excludes laptops or tablets authorized for instructional use.
• Public school: Any public elementary or secondary school.
• School hours: The time from the start to the end of the instructional day as defined by the state.

Relevant Companies

• AAPL (Apple Inc.): As a leading manufacturer of mobile phones and electronic devices, Apple's sales and operations could be affected if schools reduce phone usage.
• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): Google produces software and services used on mobile devices, which may see reduced engagement if phones are not used in schools.
• SSNLF (Samsung Electronics): As a provider of smartphones, Samsung's market might be impacted by decreased use of mobile devices in educational settings.