S. 5620: Utilize No Phones in Learning to Unleash Growth in Grades and Educate Distraction-free Schools Grant Act of 2026

This bill would create a new federal grant program for states to help public elementary and secondary schools limit student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.

What the grant program does

The U.S. Secretary of Education would set up the UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Program. State education agencies could apply for grants, and the money would be used to help schools put in place and enforce policies that bar students from possessing or using personal electronic devices during the school day.

What kinds of devices are covered

The bill defines personal electronic devices broadly. This includes mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, and other handheld or wearable devices with communication, internet, or multimedia features.

However, a school-issued or school-authorized laptop or tablet would not count as a covered device if it is:

• authorized by the school for use during school hours,
• used only for instructional purposes, and
• blocked from accessing social media, personal email, personal messaging apps, texting services, and other non-academic apps during school hours.

Required phone policy

To receive a grant, a state education agency would need to already have a policy in place, developed with local school districts and in consultation with educators, parents, and students, that applies to public elementary and secondary schools in the state and prohibits student possession or use of personal electronic devices during school hours.

Required exceptions

The policy would have to allow exceptions for:

• students with health conditions that require a device as part of treatment or monitoring, if certified by a licensed health care provider;
• students with disabilities or special needs when device access is required in an individualized education program or a Section 504 plan.

The policy could also allow exceptions, on an individual basis, for:

• English learners;
• students who have a demonstrated need for a device to support instruction; and
• other students the state education agency considers appropriate.

Communication exceptions

States applying for grants would also have to allow schools and districts to create procedures that let:

• parents communicate with students through school staff about pickup changes and similar logistical issues; and
• school personnel communicate with parents and emergency responders about urgent matters.

How grant money could be used

States receiving grants could use the money to:

• develop and carry out enforcement procedures for the device policy; and
• buy secure storage methods for student devices, such as lockers, lock boxes, or signal-blocking pouches.

How money would be distributed

Grant funds would be allotted to states using a formula tied to each state’s share of federal Title I funding from the previous year. No state could receive less than half of 1 percent of the total allotted amount. Any unused funds from states that do not receive an allotment would be redistributed to the remaining states.

Other provisions

The bill would allow the Education Department, working with the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide technical assistance to states that request help creating their device policies.

The bill would also make clear that states, school districts, and schools could adopt even stricter rules on student device use if they choose.

Relevant Companies

None found