Governor Kim Reynolds implemented a new law on January 24, 2025 stating phones are banned in classrooms in Iowa schools. This law will go into effect starting July 1, 2025 and will continue through the 2025-2026 school year.
The bill outlines a baseline ban for phone use during instructional class time, but schools can adopt their own suitable policies, such as how to store phones in the district’s possession during school hours. It also contains a “common sense” clause which states exceptions for phone use, including during emergencies or if a parent petitions against the bill.
The Iowa governor proposed the bill to address the detrimental effects of phones on learning and to help decrease distractions to enable more productive learning. “Cell phones are not only a distraction but a deterrent to development in the classroom,” Reynolds said. “Let’s return the classroom to a place for learning, growth, and connection to give students their best chance at success.”
Aside from the phone ban, there is a requirement for all 6-8 graders to take an educational course about the effects of social media and how to handle social media- related conflicts. This is meant to establish preventative measures that create less distractions in schools.
Some students, however, feel as if the phone ban would be counterproductive and potentially dangerous for students. “Keeping communication with my parents in case of emergency is very important to me,” junior Vella Batdorf shared. “This phone ban could potentially hinder communication in case of emergency.”
Batdorf also shared her concern with the law affecting every student at school, even if they don’t have a problem with being on their phone. “I think lots of students don’t struggle with keeping their phones away,” Batdorf said. “It is unfair that they have to deal with consequences from students who use their phones incessantly.”
On the other hand, some students also see the potential for this law to enhance productivity in the classroom. “Some kids can’t focus on school without their phone,” junior Shalini Chandupatla shared. “Implementing the ban will definitely help people who struggle with using their phone in class and directly focus on their learning.”
This law points out an increasing reliance on technology as online learning platforms become more popular in the educational process in schools. However, technology is becoming a distraction and even creates a disincentive for learning. The law opens up discussion for how to potentially change school curriculums to help foster genuine interest in learning and deviate from a technology-based curriculum.
