SW Arkansas Times

Today, Reps. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), David Trone (MD-06), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), and Jason Crow (CO-06) introduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on the effects of cell phone use in K-12 classrooms and its impact on students’ mental health and academic performance.

“Any parent, teacher, or administrator can tell you that cell phones are the leading distraction and source of anxiety for students in school. Our Focus on Learning Act is a bipartisan solution to bridge the gap in data of the real-time effects of cell phone usage in schools so we can support local communities in alleviating those distractions and cultivating the best possible learning environment for our students,” said Congressman Westerman. “I’m proud to lead this bicameral effort with my friend and fellow Arkansan, Senator Cotton, and I look forward to continued collaboration on this important issue.”

“Prioritizing student mental health is how we ensure young folks receive the best education possible. The Focus on Learning Act aims to do just that by conducting a study on cell phone use in schools,” said Congressman Trone. “By limiting cell phones in schools, we could also limit one of the main causes of stress and anxiety for students. In Congress, I’ll always work to ensure young people are set up for success.”

“It is critical to the development of our children that we understand the impact that cellphones have on their mental health and academic performance,” said Congressman LaTurner. “The Focus on Learning Act will help ensure that schools are free of distractions that may hinder a student’s education.”

"As a Dad, I’m concerned about the impact of cell phone use on our kids' mental health and academic success," said Congressman Crow. "Proud to lead the Focus on Learning Act with Rep. Westerman to research the effects of increased phone use and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.”

Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools. Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones. As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there’s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on learning and mental health.

The Focus on Learning Act requires the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to complete a study on these effects specifically within K-12 classrooms regarding students’ mental health and academic performance. It authorizes $5 million annually for five years for a pilot program providing secure containers for storing cell phones during school hours while allowing exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.

Participating schools will have communication systems enabling teachers, students, and administrators to contact local emergency responders if needed.

U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are cosponsors of the Senate companion Focus on Learning Act.